Bangladesh Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal has said that Dhaka continues to view India as a close and friendly neighbour, but stressed that bilateral ties should be rooted in mutual respect and equality. His remarks come after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) assumed power earlier this year following a major political transition in the country. Speaking to ANI about relations between India and Bangladesh under the new administration, Kamal noted that both nations follow parliamentary systems of governance and share a long-standing relationship. However, he underlined that neither side should attempt to dominate the other. According to him, a healthy partnership can only grow when both countries respect each other’s sovereignty and interests.

He also highlighted the importance of building stronger people-to-people connections instead of relying solely on ties between political leaders. Kamal said lasting relations should be based on public engagement and cooperation at the grassroots level. On domestic issues, Kamal welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to move ahead with the Padma Barrage project, describing it as an important step toward addressing the country’s growing water concerns. The project, approved recently by Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, aims to reduce the adverse effects linked to the Farakka Barrage and improve water management across the country. Officials expect the project to be completed by 2033.

Kamal, who is also a barrister, said the decision has received widespread public support, with many Bangladeshis believing the barrage will benefit agriculture, livelihoods, and water availability in the region. The issue of water sharing with India also remains politically significant in Bangladesh. BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently called for a revised Farakka or Ganges Water Sharing Agreement that fully protects Bangladesh’s interests. Addressing an event marking Farakka Long March Day, he said future agreements with India should be achieved through dialogue while ensuring fair treatment for Bangladesh.

Fakhrul stated that Bangladesh would not compromise on issues linked to national interests and urged India to take steps toward renewing the existing agreement before it expires in 2026. He described the Padma Barrage initiative as a historic move that could strengthen Bangladesh’s water security. At the same time, India has continued to maintain strong regional engagement by supplying agricultural and energy resources to neighbouring countries. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently said India has been consistently supplying diesel to Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. He added that New Delhi has also responded positively to additional requests from Dhaka while continuing energy cooperation with Nepal and Bhutan under existing arrangements.

In another development that hinted at improving regional political ties, the BNP recently congratulated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after its electoral success in West Bengal. BNP Information Secretary Azizul Baree Helal expressed hope that the political outcome would help maintain and strengthen relations between Bangladesh and West Bengal in the future. Observers believe the recent statements from both sides indicate a willingness to maintain stable India-Bangladesh ties despite political changes, while also addressing sensitive issues such as water sharing, regional cooperation, and economic partnership through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.