India-Bangladesh relations should be based on mutually respectful: Amir Khosru

India-Bangladesh relations should be based on mutually respectful, beneficial, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, Amir Khosru M Chowdhury, a senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader said on Monday, reports ANI.

"India is our neighbor. Obviously, we all expect the bilateral relation should be a neighborly one relationship. Mutually respectful, mutually beneficial, one of non-interference - these are the basis for any relation. We want the relationship to last and flourish. This is how we look at the India-Bangladesh relationship. Both sides should pursue, try, and work towards that. So that this relationship sustains through the basis that I just mentioned", Amir Khosru M Chowdhury, told ANI in an interview.

"There have been concerns from both sides. We have to bring it to the table - some will be short-term, some will the mid-term term and some will be long-term. But the foundation of any relationship should be based on what I have just mentioned", he added.

The Standing Committee is the highest policy-making body of BNP. Chowdhury, also the former Minister of Commerce, assured that if BNP goes to power, they will address India's security concerns.

"I don't think there is any reason for concern. Bangladesh's priority is prosperous, developed country. BNP has made it absolutely clear that this land will never be used springboard for any insurgents or terrorists. Of course, it is expected that both sides mutually respect such a situation. Everything is mutual. No sides should be used as a springboard for terrorists and activists who harm the neighborly relationship", he said.

Replying to a question about anti-Indian rhetoric in Bangladesh, Chowdhury said, "In politics, rhetoric is not uncommon. Rhetorics are on both sides. Politician tend to go for rhetoric to ... their own constituency. It happens on both sides. Rhetorics are rhetorics. Policy is more important. But the rhetoric is not good for either side. We should respect each other's relationships. Non-interference is the key issue", he said.

The BNP leader stressed to improve overall bilateral relations for good trade relations between India and Bangladesh._Agencies.