Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain speaks at a press briefing at State Guest House Padma on Monday. Photo: Collected
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today said Bangladesh wants to see a “normal and friendly” relationship with India protecting mutual interests.
He said that he sees West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remark on the UN peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh as usual that goes with her.
“I would like to see this as Mamata-like remarks. I don’t understand why she has made such remarks,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing.
Hossain said he personally thinks it is not a right step from her though politicians make remarks on various perspectives.
Indian media on Monday reported that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee urged the central government to seek the deployment of a peacekeeping mission by the Union Nations in Bangladesh to tackle the ongoing situation there.
“We have families… properties… and loved ones in Bangladesh. We accept whatever stance the Government of India takes on this…but we condemn atrocities on religious grounds anywhere in the world and appeal to the union government, and the Prime Minister, to intervene,” NDTV quoted Mamata as saying.
Earlier, the Adviser briefed the diplomats stationed in Dhaka at state guesthouse Padma on minority issues explaining the government’s position and describing the situation on the grounds.
He said a section of the media, especially in India, is engaged in propaganda. “We said that we as a society have always been maintaining communal harmony. “We are not saying that there are no such incidents of attacks on minorities, but those are isolated and happen more or less during all regimes”.
Hossain said the government conveyed to the diplomats that religious harmony is part of the society and the government is firmly determined to maintain it.
He said there are efforts domestically and globally to give an impression that the country is heading towards a deteriorated situation. “We should not forget that there is a global campaign (against the government) by a certain group.”
The Adviser said the government will handle it with an iron-hand if anyone tries to create chaos in the country.
Responding to a question, he said they did not say anything specific about India but media issues came up.
He said a representative of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was also present at the briefing largely attended by the diplomats.
Responding to a question, Hossain said they shared with the diplomats under what circumstances former ISKCON leader Chandan Kumar Dhar, alias Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested. He is now in jail.
He said the government will not allow any communal activities in the country and it sees all its citizens equally.
“We did not say that there is no problem in the country. There are problems and we are trying to fix those problems,” Hossain said, adding that they have become successful in addressing issues in many areas.
Asked whether the scheduled Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) will be held this month, he said, “I think it will be held”.
Hossain acknowledged that there has been a change in the dynamics of bilateral relations with India since the August 5 political changeover.
UNB/NY