India, Feb. 12 -- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has said that his party would work to build "strong, respectful and mutually beneficial" relations with India if voted to power, asserting that diplomacy would be guided by national interest and the will of the people. He also indicated that he would visit India should his party form the government. In an interaction with The Pioneer in Dhaka outlining his political vision, Rahman described Bangladesh as passing through a "natural and healthy democratic process," dismissing concerns over recent political shifts.

"Transformation is not something to fear. It is part of growth," Rahman said. "Progress cannot be achieved if we are trapped in red tape or hesitation. We must me...