Interim government’s Foreign Advisor, Touhid Hossain, has once again conveyed a message to the Indian government regarding various statements made by Sheikh Hasina while she is in India.
In an interview with BBC India, he clearly stated that Bangladesh’s interim government does not expect Sheikh Hasina to issue any political statements while residing in India.
During the interview, Touhid Hossain discussed Bangladesh-India relations, recent tensions, and the interim government’s stance on these issues. He mentioned that despite some misunderstandings and discomfort, maintaining good relations between the two countries is extremely important due to geographical realities and economic interests.
Significant tensions in Bangladesh-India relations began immediately following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government after the July 2024 movement. This period saw allegations of minority persecution, border skirmishes, and reciprocal summoning of diplomats.
Most recently, New Delhi decided to withdraw family members of diplomats and officials working at the Indian High Commission and Assistant High Commissions in Bangladesh.
Against this backdrop, Touhid Hossain spoke about several important issues, including Sheikh Hasina’s presence in Delhi, the national elections, and Dhaka-New Delhi relations, during an approximately 10-minute interview with BBC India.
The Foreign Advisor further added that, in the current circumstances, any statement made by Sheikh Hasina from India would not set a positive precedent for Bangladesh-India relations.
Furthermore, Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh’s interim government has promptly taken action in every incident of oppression against minorities, ensuring the arrest of those involved. He emphasized that Bangladesh never comments on minority persecution in India, and the Indian government should adhere to the same policy regarding Bangladesh’s internal matters.
