Senior advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh said on Monday that Dhaka will continue to work towards friendly relations with New Delhi and that the extended visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not negatively impact bilateral relations. According to the news agency, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said these opinions in answer to questions regarding the possible effects on bilateral relations should Hasina’s stay in India be prolonged.
Addressing the hypothetical nature of the question, Hossain said, “If someone resides in a country, why should that affect the relations with that country? There’s no basis for that,” as quoted by news agency, underscoring the significance of bilateral relations.
A contested job quota system sparked widespread protests against Hasina’s administration, which led to her resignation and eventual flight to India last week. Hossain made the observation that friendship and shared interests are essential to bilateral interactions. “He said, ‘If the interest is harmed, friendship does not exist.
He added that both nations, Bangladesh and India, have their respective interests which they intend to pursue. According to Hossain, the bilateral relationship “is not influenced by the presence of any single individual within a nation,” while “India has its interests, and Bangladesh has its interests.”
Reiterating their commitment to “always try to maintain good relations” with India is Hossain. Earlier, he gave updates on the present state of affairs in Bangladesh to diplomats in Dhaka, including Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, and asked for their assistance.
Hossain assured the diplomats, “We are confident that all our friends and partners in the international community will continue to support the interim government and our people as we navigate towards a new future for Bangladesh.”
Experienced diplomat and former foreign secretary Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to upholding all current international agreements. He said that the previous Awami League government had violated human rights gravely in an effort to put an end to a popular uprising that eventually resulted in their ouster from office.
“The undeniable strength of the populace has historically precipitated the downfall of authoritarian regimes,” Hossain remarked, noting that Bangladesh had undergone a “second liberation” the previous week, sparked by a mass movement spearheaded by “our valiant students.”
The advisor expressed assurance that the international community would continue to support the interim government and the people of Bangladesh in their pursuit of a new beginning and confirmed the government’s commitment to realising the people’s revitalised hopes.
“Bangladesh stands at the threshold of a new dawn,” he added. The advisor provided diplomats with an update on the government’s prompt and resolute measures to restore law and order and normalcy across the country.
At the meeting, representatives from every foreign mission in Dhaka—including those from UN agencies—asked questions on security procedures, the Rohingya crisis, and the general state of affairs.
“We guarantee that the well-being and protection of diplomatic and consular facilities and personnel will continue to be a top concern,” Hossain assured, emphasizing the interim government’s awareness of the importance of safeguarding all foreign nationals.
It was announced by Hossain that the administration would guarantee a smooth transition to “an inclusive and diverse electoral democracy at the earliest opportunity.”
When asked about Hasina’s possible return at his first-ever media briefing at the foreign ministry on Sunday, Hossain said that the law ministry handles such affairs and that his department would only take action if they requested it.
“Our strategy is to uphold amicable relations with all nations while safeguarding our sovereign interests,” stated Hossain, who holds a position equivalent to that of a minister.
