Bangladesh is seeking to articulate a "new canvas" in its relations with India, envisioning a shared future, said Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah today.

Speaking at an interactive session organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in India's Kolkata, Hamidullah acknowledged divergent views but stressed that such complexities are part of the relationship. "If we point out a particular aspect of the canvas, we will not be doing justice," he said.

Bangladesh-India relations remain strained following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year, with analysts suggesting normalisation is unlikely before an elected government assumes power.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 1 expressed concern over the health of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, offering prayers and support for her recovery.

Calling the relationship "organic," Hamidullah noted that both countries are growing rapidly, with economic engagement exceeding $25 billion, including tourism.

He pointed to Bangladesh's expanding import profile and new capacities in ports and logistics as signs of future growth. "We have not constrained the mobility of Indians into Bangladesh. Relations are anchored in the people in every possible sense. I qualify this as mutual interdependence," he said.

Hamidullah also revealed plans for a Bangla film festival in New Delhi next year and suggested facilitating tours for Indians to visit ancestral places in Bangladesh.

He emphasised Dhaka's focus on cultural diplomacy, tourism facilitation, and deeper economic integration as signals of intent to widen engagement during a sensitive phase in bilateral ties.