Dhaka expects resolution of all “unsettled issues” with India: Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary

Bangladesh expected the resolution of all “unsettled issues” with India in the quickest possible time. Following a One-day foreign office consultation (FOC) with India in Dhaka on Monday, Bangladesh’s foreign secretary Jashim Uddin expressed the desire to work together with India in this regard.

Bangladesh’s foreign secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s historic relation with India and said, both sides agreed to carry it forward in a “free, frank and candid” discussion.

He said during the meeting, India expressed its interest in advancing constructive and positive relations with Bangladesh. However, concerns were raised by India regarding the safety of minority communities and “attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties”.

Jashim Uddin said India is one of our biggest trade partners of Bangladesh and stressed for removal of existing tariff and non-tariff barriers. He also requested for an undisrupted supply of essential commodities from India.

According to a report from Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the river water disputes were discussed in detail during the foreign office consultation, when Bangladesh stressed inking of Teesta water sharing deal alongside renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty, which would expire in 2026. Dhaka also sought the finalisation of treaties over other common rivers and expected India’s cooperation in sharing flood warning data and flood management.