Bangladesh’s Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain described the relationship with India as “close” and highlighted the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation. He assured that ties with Pakistan would not compromise India’s security. The dialogue underscores trade improvements and ongoing collaborations, as well as the political aspirations of Bangladesh’s youth prior to upcoming elections.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Advisor, Md. Touhid Hossain, characterized the relationship between Bangladesh and India as “close.” He emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial relations between the two nations and shared insights from his recent meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Hossain expressed optimism regarding upcoming collaborative measures to enhance bilateral relations, including meeting to discuss border security and trade matters, which have shown signs of improvement.
When addressing concerns over Dhaka’s ties with Pakistan, Hossain stated, “I do not see any reason why Indian security should be jeopardized because of that.” He assured that the Bangladeshi government would not engage in actions undermining India’s internal security. Hossain mentioned the warming trend in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following political changes in Bangladesh, notably after Sheikh Hasina’s departure from power.
In the interview, Hossain elaborated on various topics, including trade improvements following a temporary slowdown and the planned meetings of foreign secretaries. He affirmed the essence of addressing issues positively and outlined plans for potential discussions at the BIMSTEC summit.
Hossain also addressed Indian concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, clarifying, “The minorities…are equal citizens of Bangladesh… They have equal protection under the law.” He emphasized that these issues should not create tensions between the two nations.
On border management, Hossain dismissed rumors of revisiting the agreements made under previous administrations. He emphasized that any border incidents must be resolved without resorting to violence, underlining the importance of friendly relations between neighboring countries.
Regarding Bangladesh’s evolving relationship with Pakistan, Hossain articulated the need to normalize relations while ensuring that this does not threaten India’s security. He noted that any changes in Pakistan’s relationship should be viewed as part of a broader normalization effort, not a threat to India.
Furthermore, Hossain indicated that Bangladesh values its relationship with the United States, recognizing its significance in trade and support from the Bangladeshi diaspora. He expressed hope to continue robust ties, regardless of changes under the Trump administration.
Lastly, he defended the recent removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residences, labeling it an internal matter while asserting that it should not concern India. Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to maintaining its historical legacy while addressing current political landscapes.
As to future food commodity requests during Ramzan, Hossain asserted that such needs would be fulfilled based on market demand rather than formal requests. Lastly, he discussed ongoing projects aiming to enhance connectivity through Bangladeshi ports and highlighted the importance of maintaining friendly relations with India.
Regarding the timing of upcoming elections in Bangladesh, Hossain expressed that the government is focused on addressing the aspirations of the young generation while acknowledging the gradual implementation of electoral reforms. He concluded that changes are needed in the political system to meet these expectations, even as precise election timelines remain uncertain.
In summary, the dialogue between Bangladesh and India continues to strengthen, with emphasis on mutual cooperation and understanding in various areas, including security and trade. Both nations seek to foster a stable and productive relationship, despite external concerns. Bangladesh remains committed to addressing its minority issues and managing its border relations amicably, while also engaging in normalization of ties with Pakistan. The future political landscape in Bangladesh hints at potential reforms aimed at meeting the aspirations of its youth, encouraging active political engagement moving forward.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
