"We have always had cordial relations with Bangladesh. River-linking and distribution of water resources will be carried out in a manner that is beneficial to both countries," Dasmunshi told the media while outlining the policy of the Congress-led coalition.

He also said it was the responsibility of both countries to prevent waste and pollution of the rivers.

External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh yesterday assured his Bangladesh counterpart M Morshed Khan over phone that India wanted to resolve all outstanding issues with Bangladesh and strengthen bilateral relations.

Morshed called Natwar to tell him that he would visit New Delhi carrying letters of felicitations from Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for the new Indian premier Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

The two foreign ministers agreed to work together for further strengthening the existing bilateral relations.

Indian National Security Advisor JN Dixit, who was in the minister's room, also spoke with Morshed.

This was the first official contact between Bangladesh and India since the change of guards in New Delhi.

Natwar meanwhile recalled Indian ambassadors and high commissioners at Saarc and Asean nations for a two-day meeting, starting on May 31.

Meanwhile, the common minimum programme announced by the ruling coalition yesterday said in its foreign policy agenda that outstanding issues with Bangladesh would be resolved.