Diplomatic Correspondent :
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed any concerns of conflict or war with India following a recent statement made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, choosing not to react at this time.
Touhid Hossain, Adviser for Foreign Affairs, expressed surprise rather than concern over Singh’s comments.
In response to journalists’ questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Hossain remarked, “I am more surprised than concerned. Why did he say that? I can’t find any reason for it.
I do not believe, under any circumstances, that there is a possibility of conflict or war with India.”
He further added, “We need to understand if this was intended for a domestic audience. The way he spoke was somewhat indirect.
I see no reason for India to prepare for war because of the Ukraine conflict.
What does India have to do with the problems with Hamas? How can Bangladesh be compared to Ukraine or Hamas? This is beyond my understanding. I don’t want to react. We will, of course, look into why he made this statement.”
When questioned about any potential threat posed to Bangladesh by these remarks, Hossain reiterated, “I still believe this comment stems from internal issues within India. So, I don’t want to speculate.”
Regarding whether any communication with India had taken place on the matter, Hossain said, “At the moment, I don’t want to say anything on that. For now, I’ve said what I have to say.
Whether there has been any communication, let’s leave that aside. I’ve mentioned that we don’t want to show any reaction at this point. We will definitely look into what’s happening and why.”
During a Joint Commanders’ Conference in Lucknow last Thursday,
Rajnath Singh emphasised that while India is a “peace-loving nation,” its Armed Forces must be prepared for war to maintain peace.
He referred to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, as well as the situation in Bangladesh, urging military commanders to analyse these events, predict future challenges, and remain ready for the unexpected.
Singh also stressed the importance of a comprehensive analysis by top military leadership, particularly in light of developments along India’s northern border and in neighbouring countries, which he claimed posed challenges to peace and stability in the region.
When asked about reports suggesting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may seek political asylum in India, Hossain commented, “Naturally, any country can grant political asylum to anyone. In this case, whether that is happening or not, we will see.”
Touching on a potential meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, during the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Hossain remarked, “If India doesn’t want [to meet], we have no reason to force it.”
Indian news sources recently reported that Delhi has not yet decided on Dhaka’s request for a Modi-Yunus meeting at the UNGA. Hossain responded, “I don’t want to comment on this yet because we don’t have any confirmation that it will or will not happen. In fact, we still don’t have a 100 per cent confirmation that Modi is going. There’s a possibility that he might go.”
The adviser emphasised that any meeting would follow the usual diplomatic processes. “If they don’t want to meet with us, we can’t force it,” he added.
When asked about the inclusion of Dr Yunus’s daughter, Dina Afroz Yunus, in his entourage, which has drawn criticism on social media, particularly on Facebook, Hossain dismissed the concerns, saying, “This has nothing to do with family.
I’d be happier if there weren’t too many assumptions being made about this right now.”
Regarding the size of the delegation accompanying Dr Yunus to New York, Hossain mentioned, “The number is quite small. In any case, it won’t exceed 10-12 people.
We’re trying to keep it as limited as possible.”
The Foreign Affairs Adviser confirmed that he would also be part of the delegation attending the UNGA.