‘People need to resolve internal issues’

Indian government will work with Bangladesh government, its external affairs ministry’s spokesperson has said, leaving Bangladesh’s internal issues to the people of the country to resolve.

Syed Akbaruddin was briefing journalists’ on Friday moment before the departure of his minister Sushma Swaraj who made a 38-hour long visit to Dhaka, first of her stand-alone visit to any country as foreign minister.

Her visit came amid speculation that the change of regime in India may stand in the way of flourishing Dhaka-Delhi relationship, often described as being “at the best” in history during the past five years when a Congress-led government was in power in Delhi.

But Swaraj gave a strong message that her government would not only continue but also build upon the momentum of the relations.

In her lecture on India-Bangladesh ties on Thursday evening, she made it clear that she came to Bangladesh “with a message of friendship and goodwill” from the newly elected government of India.

Is the new Indian government ready to work with the Awami league government for its full tenure until 2019? – was a question a journalist asked to Akbaruddin.

“Governments work with governments. Indian government will work with the government of Bangladesh.

“All other issues internal to Bangladesh will need to be addressed and resolved by the people of Bangladesh,” he replied.

The ruling Awami League in Dhaka came to power for the second successive term after Jan 5 national election that a major opposition BNP boycotted.

When Western world criticised the elections, India, China and Russia backed the results.

There has been perception that India strongly supported Awami League as Congress-led government, with whom it has a historic link, was in power.

But spokesperson Akbaruddin earlier on Thursday in a press briefing said India is ready “to engage and partner” with Bangladesh, and the first visit of its External Affairs Minister Swaraj to Dhaka was a “conscious” decision.

He also said that the relations with people “transcend any forms of government” and they had a “great respect” for the people of Bangladesh.