Dhaka, Oct. 12 -- BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has underscored that Bangladesh's ties with India must rest on mutual respect and equality, asserting that genuine friendship between the two neighbours should come without interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

Speaking at a memorial gathering in Kapasia, Gazipur, he alleged that several individuals involved in oppressing and torturing Bangladeshi citizens had fled to India and taken shelter there.The event was organised to mark the ninth death anniversary of former BNP standing committee member Brigadier General (retd) ASM Hannan Shah.

At the programme, Fakhrul also criticised India for its handling of long-standing water-sharing issues, accusing it of deprivi...