Dhaka: Bangladesh interim government’s foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said it wanted to work closely with India to foster better relations, but deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent public remarks were “not conducive” to fostering better bilateral ties. These remarks came after Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call to him and discussed bilateral ties in the wake of the recent developments in Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Hossain said Bangladesh wants to work closely with India to promote bilateral relations and stressed more ‘people-centric engagement’ in the upcoming days. The newly-appointed adviser also affirmed the caretaker government’s commitment to ensure the peaceful co-existence of different communities in the country, including Hindu minorities.
This was Verma’s first meeting with Hossain after the formation of the interim government following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime. Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5 following massive protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs. Verma attended the oath-taking ceremony of the interim government last Thursday.
Muhammad Yunus ‘committed’ to ensuring inclusive democracy
Hossain said that the government is pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not tolerate any violence or intimidation against them, amid reports of attacks on the Hindu minority groups. He further said Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections.
Referring to Hasina’s recent public statement, Hossain conveyed to the envoy that “such statements from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations.” He mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students.
Hasina, who is currently staying in India, released her first statement on Tuesday since her ouster from her country and demanded punishment for those involved in the killings and vandalism across the nation in student protests. “I appeal to you to observe the National Mourning Day on 15th August with due dignity and solemnity. Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhaban,” the statement said.
Priorities of India-Bangladesh relations
She said that the Bangladesh which had gained recognition as a developing country across the globe has now been “reduced to ashes”. “This is an extreme dishonor to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we gained independence, self-respect, and a free country. This is an insult to the blood of millions of martyrs. I seek justice from the people of the country,” it added.
Hossain underlined key issues with India like stopping “border killing, the conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, and ensuring supply of essential commodities.” He told Verma that the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order situation and bring the economy on track.
He also thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes extended to the chief adviser on the assumption of his new responsibilities. The Indian envoy congratulated the foreign adviser on his new responsibilities.
(with inputs from PTI)
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