Diplomatic Correspondent :
In response to remarks made by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, the Foreign Affairs Adviser to Bangladesh’s Interim Government, Md Touhid Hossain, stated that India must determine what kind of relationship it seeks with Bangladesh.
He emphasised that India should focus on fostering good relations with Bangladesh rather than being influenced by the opinions of a few individuals.
Hossain made these remarks at the Foreign Ministry on Monday when journalists sought his response to Jaishankar’s recent comments.
Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival on Saturday, the Indian External Affairs Minister had stated, “They (Bangladesh) have to make up their mind what kind of relationship to walk with us.”
In response, Touhid Hossain remarked, “He (Jaishankar) said that Bangladesh needs to decide what kind of relationship it wants with India.
Naturally, Bangladesh will make that decision. Similarly, India must also decide what kind of relationship it wants with Bangladesh.
This is a matter for both parties, and there is nothing unusual in stating that.”
Clarifying the Bangladeshi government’s position, the Adviser asserted, “I believe our stance is clear.
We seek a cooperative relationship with India, based on mutual respect and shared interests. There is no ambiguity in this.”
Commenting on Jaishankar’s reference to objectionable statements made by various individuals in Bangladesh, including within the government, Hossain added, “I do not wish to judge whether these statements are right or wrong.
However, such remarks are made here, just as they are made on their side.”
Addressing recent comments by West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, regarding the deployment of UN peacekeepers to Bangladesh, Hossain responded, “If she had the authority, she would send UN forces here.
Meanwhile, one of their central ministers frequently makes anti-Bangladesh statements.
These matters will persist, yet we remain committed to improving relations despite such challenges. Our focus is on strengthening bilateral ties rather than being distracted by individual opinions.”
The Adviser also criticised remarks made by Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, regarding the Dhaka-Delhi relationship.
“When our former Prime Minister makes certain statements while staying in India under their hospitality, it ultimately harms bilateral relations.
Her comments only inflame tensions, and this is widely understood,” he remarked.
Regarding the issue of Indian visas, Hossain stated, “Visa issuance is India’s prerogative. If they choose not to grant someone a visa, we have no say in the matter.
However, if visas are being denied, we must explore alternatives and seek solutions accordingly.”
Responding to Jaishankar’s comments on the treatment of minorities, Hossain said, “His remarks were primarily based on narratives shaped by the Indian media, which are then echoed by various individuals.
The issue of minority rights in Bangladesh is an internal matter, just as minority affairs in India are their concern. Therefore, both countries should refrain from interfering in each other’s domestic matters.”
Since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a mass uprising last year, during which she fled to Delhi seeking refuge, relations between Bangladesh and India have become strained.
The Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, has formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, who is facing multiple legal charges, including culpable homicide. However, India has yet to respond to the request.
The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry has stated that they will continue to seek India’s cooperation in extraditing her under the existing treaty.
A recent UN report has highlighted serious human rights violations during the July-August protests, allegedly carried out under Sheikh Hasina’s direct orders as she attempted to suppress mass demonstrations and retain power.
However, her efforts ultimately failed, and she, along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, sought asylum in India.
Since then, relations between the two South Asian nations have experienced fluctuations, marked by diplomatic challenges and ongoing negotiations.
