Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday said the government of India cannot avoid Bangladesh because of its political and economic interest.
Bangladesh shares a long border with its close neighbour, India, and it is now the second largest importer of Indian goods, he added.
“China now tops the list of exporters of its goods to Bangladesh, superseding India,” the minister told reporters after a meeting with the Asian Development Bank Vice-President Bindu Lohani.
In reply to a question, Muhith said the Awami League government came to power with a clear mandate from the countrymen, not backed by foreign powers, including India.
“We respect our closest neighbour in the best interest of our economic integration.”
The minister said India should also maintain good relations with its neighbours, Pakistan and Bangladesh, for its own political and economic interest.
India is a landlocked country sharing border with Pakistan and Bangladesh while Sri Lanka and Maldives are far from it, he pointed out.
Regarding reaction of the January 5 election from India, the minister said India phrased it a “constitutional requirement.”
India is the first country that came up with an official reaction after the announcement of polls result, said Muhith.
Regarding election, India’s External Affairs Ministry said it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future and choose their representatives in a manner that responds to their aspirations.
It added that violence cannot and should not determine the way forward.
About World Bank’s likely funding for Padma Bridge construction, the finance minister said it is now not a question. “I saw some local newspapers running stories regarding the WB’s likely funding, which are totally rubbish.”
He said the Padma Bridge will be constructed with the country’s own fund and, if needed, more funding will be in the offing.
The minister described the BNP as a “dependent party” that took office with the help of foreign powers.
Only the BNP can issue such statement that the Awami League government assumed power with the help of foreign countries like neighbouring India, added Muhith.
