Despite multifaceted challenges, the BNP wants to build a new dimension of relations with India, party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman told Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma during a meeting in the capital on Saturday.

The meeting was held around 5:00pm at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir were present.

Earlier the same day, the Turkish and Egyptian ambassadors to Bangladesh also paid courtesy calls on Tarique Rahman.

Briefing reporters after the meetings, Humayun Kabir said international interest has grown centring on Tarique Rahman’s return to active politics, prompting diplomats from India, Turkey and Egypt to engage in exchanges of views with the BNP leadership.

He said discussions focused on how the BNP would run the country if it forms the government, and how diplomatic relations—particularly with key international partners—would be advanced.

Regarding India-BNP relations, Humayun Kabir said the future trajectory of ties was clearly reflected in a condolence message sent by the Indian Prime Minister, which referred to forging a “new relationship” with Bangladesh.

“There are challenges, and those were addressed in discussions with High Commissioner Pranay Verma, particularly in the context of establishing peace and security,” he said, adding that the meeting was largely a courtesy call and did not involve detailed negotiations.

Humayun Kabir also noted that the BNP would continue holding meetings with foreign diplomats, as several envoys have expressed interest in courtesy calls, which will be arranged gradually.