Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Sunday urged the government to justify the reason behind the signing of so many deals when it claims its ties with India are now at the best.

Speaking at a discussion, he also observed that though India apparently helped Bangladesh liberate the country in 1971, it in fact divided Pakistan.

"They (govt) say their relations with India are now on top of the Himalaya. Is there any mistrust in the friendship that prompted them to sign so many deals?" the BNP leader questioned.

He further said, "Friendship can't be ensured by deals as conjugal life can't be granted only by a marriage certificate. I want to tell India you won't be able to strengthen the friendship only by signing deals. Rather, it'll gradually deepen hatred that will burst like a volcano someday."

Rajshahi University Nationalist ex-Students' Association organised the discussion at National Press Club.

Bangladesh and India on Saturday signed 36 bilateral documents, covering diverse areas of cooperation, including economic defence cooperation, power and peaceful use of nuclear energy, after official talks between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

About the defence MoUs with India, the BNP leader said, "We think the agreements were signed to ensure security of India, not that of Bangladesh. India has inked the deal to freely use Bangladesh's territory to save its own land when it'll engage in war with any big power."

Recalling India's contributions to Bangladesh's Liberation War, he said the people of this country fought in the war and sacrificed their lives in 1971 while India had helped them as a close neighbour. "It's usual that India will always get thanks from us for their assistance. But, if they want to ensure our gratitude to them by signing deals, then we'll understand there is an evil design behind it."

Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member, further said, "We've liberated the country fighting against Pakistan Army while India has divided Pakistan in the name of helping us...it's a political analysis. This question wouldn't have risen had India not shown an attitude of master in the name of friendship."