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confidence. That’s why I told my Indian counterparts we prefer to move surely, slowly but steadily, to build confidence between our peoples. It might take time, but that way it will be durable. We must not repeat past mistakes and must keep dialogue open under all circumstances -- good or bad.”
Amid the fuel supply challenges arising from the war in the Middle East, Khalilur emphasised cooperation not only in energy but also in other areas of common interest. He expressed satisfaction with India’s assurance of increasing energy supplies to Bangladesh.
The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India expires in December, while the Teesta deal remains unsigned despite preparations in 2011 -- issues that have raised concerns in Bangladesh.
Khalilur said the Ganges water is a matter of life and death, and Bangladesh seeks a new or revised treaty that meets essential needs.
“The risk of not sharing water appropriately means our livelihood and agriculture are affected, and climate vulnerability increases. An equitable, climate‑proof arrangement will be one of the first tests of our reset,” he said.
On climate challenges, Khalilur stressed long‑term solutions: “People are people -- whether in India or Bangladesh. They face the same crises. I see no option but to work together in good faith with eyes on the future.”
He noted that Bangladesh resumed issuing all types of visas to Indians three days after the new government took office and expects reciprocity. “People‑to‑people contact will sustain our relations. If they cannot reach us, you deny a vital source of trust and confidence.”
Suspension of Indian visas had created humanitarian problems, he said, with Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in Kunming, Bangkok, and Singapore. “I hope our Indian colleagues understand this and ease restrictions in the coming weeks.”
The foreign minister also said Bangladesh faced propaganda from India after the fall of the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India, which deeply concerned policymakers in Dhaka.
“The problem is that wrong narratives create perceptions stronger than reality. Let us ensure our narratives are not negative while we build confidence and trust.”
Trump admin reveals plans for massive Washington arch
AFP,
Washington
US President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday revealed renderings for a colossal triumphal arch proposed for construction in Washington near some of the nation’s most revered monuments.
At 250 feet (76.2 meters) it would pip Mexico City’s Monument to the Revolution by 30 feet, making it the largest structure of its kind in the world, and knocking Pyongyang’s Arch of Triumph to third place.
The gold-accented arch would also tower over the 99-foot-tall Lincoln Memorial, sitting just across the Potomac River at the other end of Arlington Memorial Bridge, and be clearly visible from Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, the final resting place for many of the nation’s military heroes.
The structure “will be the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World,” Trump wrote Friday on his social media platform on Friday. “This will be a wonderful addition to the Washington D.C. area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come!”
The arch is one of several architectural projects -- including the construction of a large White House ballroom, lambasted by critics, and renovations to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts -- that Trump has undertaken to leave a mark on Washington in his second term.
Drawings and computer-generated renderings show a large, winged Lady Liberty flanked by two eagles -- all gilded -- atop a towering white arch.
Golden inscriptions read “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” on opposite sides.
The arch, resembling the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is proposed for a traffic circle on Columbia Island, which sits in the Potomac River that hugs Washington.
Trump, who was one of America’s most famous real estate developers before entering the entertainment industry and later politics, has said it would be built to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s founding and 1776 declaration of independence from Britain.
The plans were submitted for review to the US Commission of Fine Arts, a federal agency charged with advising the president on design matters.
Trump fired all members of the board in October and stacked it with allies as he embarks on a series of renovation and building projects across the US capital.
Last month, the same agency gave its approval to the design of a commemorative gold coin etched in Trump’s likeness to be minted for the 250th anniversary.