Diplomatic Correspondent :
The interim government’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md. Touhid Hossain, stated that this government wants to maintain a balanced relationship with the neighbouring countries, including India and China, as well as other big countries.
“We would see our interests as well as the interests of our neighbours. Both Bangladesh and India have a very profound relationship.
But there are perceptions among people that India has damaged our interests,” he said during a view-exchange meeting with the journalists in the foreign ministry on Sunday.
“The people of Bangladesh should have the feeling that their interests have been protected in relation to India. People’s expectations should be made visible,” he added.
In reply to a question about the evaluation of the treaties between India and Bangladesh, he said, “We have not evaluated the treaties yet. If the law ministry wants, it can evaluate these.”
Asked about whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be brought from India, Touhid Hossain said, “If the law advisor tells us, we will send a letter.” Till then, we will wait.”
In reply to a question about the briefing to the foreign diplomats on Monday about what message would be given to them regarding the number of deaths during the student movement, the adviser said, “So far we have a report of 450 people, including students killed.
The two students who are on the advisory council have been given the task of making a comprehensive list of deaths and injuries.”
“Those who have been killed would be compensated to their families. And those who were injured would receive free treatment,” he added.
About the human rights violation during the student movement, he said, “There is no denying the fact that there has been a violation of human rights.
The perpetrators would be brought back under trial, irrespective of politics and religion. The government is very sincere in finding out the perpetrators.”
“If I say that there has been no violence, it will not gain credibility. No political violence is acceptable,” he added.
Asked about when the students would return to classrooms, he said, “The students would return to their classrooms as soon as the traffic took back their duties.”
Talking about the loss of commerce and business during this time, he said, “There are some losses in businesses and commerce. It is expected that it will be streamlined within one or two months.”
Regarding the appointment of a new governor for the Central Bank, he said, “We are looking for a new government. It has been difficult to find one. A search committee has been formed for it.”