India keen to maintain cooperative ties with Bangladesh

India has reaffirmed its interest in maintaining a stable, positive and cooperative bilateral relationship with Bangladesh. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks at a press conference yesterday on bilateral relations and various regional issues.
He said the main goal of bilateral talks with Bangladesh is to directly promote the development and well-being of the people of both countries. India wants to continue working with Bangladesh for mutual prosperity through a constructive, forward-looking and people-centred approach. He added that ongoing dialogues with Bangladeshi authorities are giving top priority to joint economic progress and practical cooperation.
Meanwhile, a former Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh responded to a question about Sheikh Hasina’s arrival in India at the Bay of Bengal Conversation, organised recently by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) in Dhaka.
He said the Indian armed forces had no role in Sheikh Hasina’s departure for India and that the development had surprised Indian authorities.
He said neither the Indian Air Force nor the Army brought Sheikh Hasina to India. When the military aircraft arrived in India, the country was not prepared for her arrival. He added that Sheikh Hasina was still the lawful prime minister of Bangladesh at the time, leaving India with few options but to accept the reality as a neighbouring country.