He made the statement to reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Thursday afternoon.
He said: “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit India in December. We are hoping we will be able to find a solution regarding the Teesta water sharing treaty.”
“Whatever problems we have with West Bengal regarding the treaty, will also be sorted out.”
He said the Indian high commissioner congratulated him for his new role as the general secretary of Awami League.
When asked about long-term India-Bangladesh relations, the minister said: “I will try to intensify the connections between party-to-party and people-to-people of both nations.
“We have been working on this for a long time.”
The minister spoke about allegations of India commenting on Bangladesh’s political scene.
Obaidul said: “Bangladesh’s sovereignty is our internal affair. India has no say regarding it. As a democratic country, India appreciates it.”
About the next national election, he said: “We want a fair election here. India has nothing to say about it. What I want to say is that election will be held in due time. It will be held within three months after dissolving the parliament, as per the constitution.”
The minister also said Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has asked the grassroots leaders to prepare for the election.
The minister was also asked how he would balance the work of a minister and the AL general secretary simultaneously.
He said: “You can check the ministry if any files are left unattended. I will check on roads and bridges when I am out checking on Awami League. I will also check on Awami League when I am out checking on the roads and bridges. There will be no problems or conflicts in my work.”
Obaidul said that his biggest challenge as the general secretary is to pace the party and establish discipline among the members. He said the challenge is to organise the party to prepare for the upcoming election.
High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla said: “The Awami League general secretary is a hard-working, dedicated, valiant freedom fighter and a former student leader. India rejoices at his appointment as the general secretary. Hence, we came to congratulate him on this momentous occasion.”
