Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that Bangladesh and India are interdependent in various respects, including geographical, social, political and economic considerations. He said a “fresh start” is essential to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries by leaving the past behind.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at his office at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (August 10).

During the meeting, the two sides held fruitful and positive discussions on bilateral relations and various issues of mutual interest.

The home minister said there are differences and issues between the two countries that can be resolved through mutual cooperation and dialogue. He stressed the need to advance bilateral relations through discussions based on equality and called on India to come forward with sincerity in this regard.

Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi expressed his commitment to further advancing bilateral relations, saying, “We do not only share geographical boundaries; we also share the dream of prosperity.”

Noting that challenges on various issues are natural in a democratic culture, he said, “Having issues is the beauty of democracy; without issues, it cannot be a true democracy.”

However, he said the fundamental expectation of the people of both countries is a strong and excellent relationship that creates a “win-win” situation for both sides.

The high commissioner further said there is no complex issue between Bangladesh and India that cannot be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means. He expressed hope that relations between the two countries would become stronger and brighter in the days ahead.

During the meeting, the home minister requested the Indian high commissioner to facilitate the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other identified fugitives currently staying in India under the existing prisoner exchange and extradition agreements, so that they can face the Bangladeshi justice system.

He also requested the return of the accused in the murder case of Shaheed Osman Hadi to Bangladesh from India as soon as possible under the extradition agreement.

In response, the high commissioner said India would examine the matter from a legal perspective and take a decision accordingly.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and representatives of the Indian High Commission were present at the meeting.