Dhaka’s relations with Delhi, Beijing must not be compared: foreign minister

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today said Bangladesh's relations with India and China should not be compared, adding that Bangladesh emphasises its development through cooperation and collaboration.

"Bangladesh's relations with India is rock-solid and historic while Bangladesh has economic ties with China. We must not compare," he said emphasising on joint efforts.

Momen made the remarks after visiting Mujibnagar Muktijoddha Memorial Complex where he paid tributes placing wreath.

His wife Selina Momen, among others, was present.

Bangladesh is focusing on its own development, said Momen, adding both India and China are major partners and Bangladesh wants more trade benefits from India.

UNRESOLVED ISSUES

The foreign minister said Bangladesh and India resolved major bilateral issues, achieved progress on water-sharing and other pending issues will also be resolved.

"There are some issues. We will resolve those. Keep faith in us," he said.

Asked about trial of coronavirus vaccine in Bangladesh, the foreign minister said many countries like India and Pakistan went for collaboration.

"We didn't go for collaboration yet. It's regrettable. We should also go for collaboration," Momen said.

He said a Chinese company is developing a relationship with icddr,b.

"We have nothing to do with it. Some are trying to make it a political issue. This is purely a research," Momen said.

The foreign minister suggested to talk to the health ministry for details.

He said the government has contributed to the European Union so that Bangladesh gets vaccine smoothly.

Momen said vaccine should be distributed in an indiscriminate way and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said it needs to be ensured that no one is left behind.