Diplomatic Correspondent :
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has termed the recent remarks by India’s Foreign Secretary on Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary poll as “completely unwarranted,” saying the matter is strictly an internal issue of the country.
“This is not their issue. It’s completely an internal matter of Bangladesh, and such comments are entirely unwarranted,” Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday, responding to the Indian foreign secretary’s remarks.
Earlier, during a meeting with a delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the South Block in New Delhi on Monday, Vikram Misri said India was eager to see a swift election in Bangladesh that reflects the aspirations of its people.
He added that India was ready to work with whoever assumes power after the election, expressing hope that the polls would be free, fair, inclusive, and participatory. Meanwhile, the issue of removing the president’s portrait from Bangladesh’s missions abroad has again sparked debate both at home and overseas. President Md Shahabuddin reportedly expressed his disappointment over the matter in a letter addressed to Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain.
Confirming receipt of the letter, Touhid said, “He has expressed his feelings. I don’t want to make any comment on it. I did receive the letter, but quite late-it had already been circulating on social media. The physical copy reached me much later.”
When asked whether he had responded, the adviser said, “I think we should not discuss it further. He is the President, a very high office. He has expressed his feelings, and we should leave it there.”
Asked whether any law had been enacted to remove the president’s portrait, Touhid clarified, “No law has been passed, nor has any official letter been issued. But generally, the rule is that no portrait will be displayed. I think we should stop here-there will always be debates over this.”
In August, the Foreign Ministry issued a directive instructing all Bangladeshi missions abroad to remove the president’s portrait. The decision led to widespread discussion at home and among the diaspora.
On September 28, President Shahabuddin, in his letter to the adviser, expressed regret that the removal of his portrait and subsequent discussions in the media and on social platforms had tarnished his global reputation.
He wrote that while he supports the government’s zero-portrait policy, the implementation could have been handled in a more tactful manner.
Addressing another issue, Touhid Hossain commented on the recent meeting between three Nordic ambassadors and former Awami League minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, saying he viewed it as a visit to a private individual’s residence.
“We see it as visiting a person’s home. If he were an accused individual, he would have been in custody-but that’s not the case. Ambassadors can visit anyone’s residence. As for what they discussed, debates may continue about that. But as far as the visit itself goes, I have nothing to say,” Touhid remarked.
Drawing on his own diplomatic experience, he added, “I was not an ambassador in Kolkata, one rank below, but I used to visit anyone’s home, and it was never a problem.”
Regarding Bangladesh’s bid for the presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, the adviser said Bangladesh and Palestine would not be competing against each other for the post.
When asked about reports that Bangladesh might withdraw its candidacy in support of Palestine, Touhid clarified, “Bangladesh is very interested in this matter, but Palestine is not as concerned. The election will be held in June 2026, and Bangladesh and Palestine will not be facing each other in that contest.”
During the previous government, Bangladesh had announced its intention to contest for the presidency of the 81st UNGA session.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024, the interim administration reaffirmed its decision to run for the post, nominating Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as its candidate.
However, since Palestine has also declared its candidacy for the same position, reports suggest that Bangladesh is now considering withdrawing in support of Palestine.
