JMI chief calls for trust, equity and mutual respectBangladesh wants to build its relationship with India on the basis of trust, equity and mutual respect, Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Bangladesh's Leader of the Opposition, Shafiqur Rahman, said on Wednesday. "India is our closest neighbour. We always respect our neighbours, not only India but all the neighbours. And we also deserve mutual respect from them," Rahman was quoted as saying by ANI. "And we want to maintain a mutual relation upon trust, equity, and respect," he added.Referring to the Teesta project as a domestic issue, Rahman said Bangladesh would proceed with the initiative in accordance with its national interest."The Teesta project is our own matter, our own issue. And we have to do what we need to feel better for Bangladesh. Hopefully, all the friends will be happy with our progress," Rahman said. The Teesta River, which flows through both India and Bangladesh, has long been a subject of bilateral discussions, particularly over water sharing and river management.In April, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken note of Bangladesh's engagement with China on the Teesta project, adding that issues related to the river are discussed with Dhaka through "structured bilateral mechanisms" at regular intervals.The Teesta originates in the eastern Himalayas and flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it supports irrigation and the livelihoods of millions of people.China has expressed interest in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, which is located near India's Siliguri Corridor linking the mainland with its northeastern states.In 2024, India offered technical and conservation assistance for the Teesta basin as part of its cooperation with Bangladesh on transboundary river management.