Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has said that relations with India have not deteriorated as badly as some believe, and efforts are underway to ensure they do not become strained. He added that Bangladesh does not want hostile relations with any of its neighbours, not just India.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while responding to journalists after a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat. He said the meeting approved a proposal to import 50,000 tonnes of parboiled rice from India.

The finance adviser also noted that India does not directly interfere in Bangladesh’s internal politics. “There may be statements from time to time, and Bangladesh also makes statements. Our chief adviser believes in regional cooperation. India is our largest neighbour. We maintain good relations with Bhutan and Nepal, and ties with Pakistan are gradually improving. Bangladesh cannot remain isolated. In areas such as the economy and healthcare, India is the country we engage with the most,” he said.

Salehuddin Ahmed stressed the importance of viewing trade and politics separately. “Our economic ties with India remain normal, and the government is working to normalize political relations as well. If we import rice from Vietnam instead of India, it would cost about 10 taka more per kilogram. If we can buy rice from India at competitive prices, there is no reason to source it elsewhere,” he explained.

He added that political relations with India are currently at a reasonable level and are unlikely to worsen significantly. As examples, he mentioned previous rice imports from India and a recent decision to import onions. He acknowledged that delays in decision-making meant onion prices in the domestic market could not be reduced further, noting that onions were selling in India for as low as 10 taka per kilogram at one point.

When asked what steps the interim government is taking to improve political relations with India while it remains in power ahead of the national election, the finance adviser said details would become clear in the coming days. “Our chief adviser is fully informed on matters concerning India. It is not possible to disclose everything right now,” he said.

Commenting on anti-India sentiment within the country, Salehuddin Ahmed said such actions only complicate matters. “This does not reflect our national attitude. Neither you nor I want this. We do not want hostility with any country, not just neighbouring ones,” he added.

When asked what the government has done to stop such activities, he replied, “Can everything really be stopped? If someone stands up and says something, how do you prevent that?