President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stressed the need for an early resolution through dialogue of the unresolved issues between Bangladesh and India to further strengthen and sustain the existing bilateral relationship.

He made the call when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on the president at Bangabhaban on Tuesday (September 8) morning.

The president said resolving issues of mutual interest in a fair and mutually acceptable manner would further strengthen trust and confidence between the peoples of the two countries.

Noting that the management of shared rivers is directly linked to the lives and livelihoods of people in both countries, the president urged India to take effective steps to ensure a fair share of the waters of the Ganges, Teesta and other common rivers.

In response, High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said his government was taking positive initiatives in this regard.

The president said Bangladesh attaches special importance to its relations with India as its closest neighbour and an important trade and development partner.

He said Bangladesh was interested in building a respectful, forward-looking partnership with India based on mutual respect and interests while upholding sovereign equality, national interests, dignity and the welfare of the people.

During the meeting, the Indian high commissioner conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office as president.

Noting that India attaches great importance to its relations with Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi said his country was committed to expanding cooperation in various areas, including people-to-people connectivity.

He said India was interested in further strengthening and improving bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.

The president thanked the high commissioner for his congratulations and asked him to convey his sincere gratitude and best wishes to the President of India.

President Mirza Fakhrul said there was significant potential for expanding cooperation in various fields, including trade, water resources management, technology, connectivity, culture and people-to-people relations.

He said Bangladesh and India could work more closely to achieve shared peace, development and prosperity by harnessing the capabilities and potential of the peoples of both countries.

High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi expressed hope that the two countries would continue to work together and sought the president’s cooperation in discharging his responsibilities in Bangladesh.

The president wished him a successful tenure and expressed hope that his tenure would contribute to making Bangladesh-India relations more productive, positive and people-oriented.

Senior officials from the President’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commission were present during the meeting.