Dhaka-Delhi ties should build on Aug 5 changeover: Touhid

Staff Reporter  :

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain on Sunday underscored the need to acknowledge the significant shift in Bangladesh-India relations since August 5 mass uprising and urged both nations to leverage this transformation to strengthen bilateral ties.

“To resolve any issue, we must first acknowledge its existence. Similarly, advancing our relationship requires recognising the changes that have unfolded before and after August 5,” Hossain stated.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar commemorating SAARC Charter Day. He suggested initiating foreign secretary-level meetings as a practical step toward progress.

The seminar, titled *”The SAARC: People of South Asia Crave For,”* was organised by the Bangladesh Chapter of the SAARC Journalist Forum at the National Press Club.

The event, presided over by Forum President Nasir Al Mamoon, featured distinguished speakers such as former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintoo, strategic expert Brigadier General (Retired) Mohammad Hasan Nasir, and SAARC Journalist Forum Secretary General Md Abdur Rahman.

Former *New Nation* Editor Mostafa Kamal Majumder delivered the keynote address, while Seminar Organising Committee Convenor Rafiqul Islam Azad moderated the session.

Hossain addressed the current tension in Bangladesh-India relations, highlighting its negative impact on bilateral trade and regional economies.

“This economic slowdown, ongoing for the past two or three months, is not confined to Bangladesh-it has also affected India, though to a lesser extent. West Bengal’s economy, in particular, has borne significant consequences,” he noted.