Bangladesh's Political Shift: Bilateral Relations Remain Firm, Says Foreign Affairs Advisor

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain emphasized the importance of good working relations with India. He clarified that despite the recent political turmoil and transitional government, bilateral ties and trade between the nations are stable. The advisor also addressed recent unrest and denied communal motives behind the violence.

Both Bangladesh and India must establish 'good working relations' with each other, the Bangladeshi Foreign Affairs Advisor, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, said. He described New Delhi as Dhaka's 'largest neighbor.'

Speaking to ANI, Touhid noted that both sides are committed to maintaining these relations. He added that his discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were constructive. 'It seems to me that both India and Bangladesh want to have good working relations with each other,' he stated. 'We both had free and fair discussions and recognized that we must have good working relations.'

Touhid clarified that the topic of Sheikh Hasina was not broached during his discussion. Although the process of issuing visas has not normalized, trade and ongoing projects between the two countries continue unhindered. 'About people-to-people contact, the Indian visa offices have not fully opened yet. This is up to the Indian government,' he mentioned.

Touhid also addressed concerns about recent violence in Bangladesh, aimed at Awami League loyalists, not Hindus as some reports suggested. 'The violence was politically motivated, not communal,' he said. He affirmed that religious festivities like Durga Puja will proceed uninterrupted. The advisor pointed out that despite the political vacuum created by Sheikh Hasina's departure, bilateral ties with India are resilient.

Touhid refrained from commenting on media reports suggesting a US-backed coup to replace Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing the spontaneous nature of the youth-led protests. 'We can't undermine the sacrifices made by the younger generation for a democratic future,' he noted. He also assured that the interim government's measures have curbed the violence effectively.

The political turmoil started about a month ago, leading to Sheikh Hasina's resignation and her subsequent flight to India. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has since taken leadership. The advisor reiterated that despite these changes, relations with India will remain firm and mutually beneficial.

(With inputs from agencies.)