‘Tackling radicalism is an important current challenge in India-Bangladesh relations’

Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Bangladesh’s agriculture minister and Awami League presidium member, spoke with Rudroneel Ghosh about the significance of PM Hasina’s visit to India.

- Rudroneel Ghosh

● How would you categorise PM Hasina’s visit to India this time?

We consider that the visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to India is taking place at a very opportune time to deepen existing relations between two neighbouring countries in South Asia, enjoying more than half-a-century bond of friendship anchored in India’s all-out support and material assistance in our Liberation War in 1971. Against this rich background of bilateral relations, the visit is also important in the context of prevailing challenges in regional and global politics for the leadership of both countries to sort out responses to these challenges that best serve mutual interests.

● How would you describe the state of the bilateral relationship at this point?

From our view, the state of bilateral relations has reached an all-time high. These relations got a boost with the coming to office of PM Narendra Modi in India, and PM Hasina’s foresight to exploit the potential of opportunities that benefit both countries.

● Hasn’t the bilateral water-sharing issue been a sticking point in ties?