India’s friendship vital for Bangladesh: Foreign Affairs adviser

It is important that people feel India is a good friend of Bangladesh, said the interim government's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday (11 August) while talking to reporters at this first press meet after being appointed as an adviser.

"The governments in Bangladesh and India have maintained very good and deep relations. However, there is a perception among the people that during the previous government's tenure, our [national] interests were not adequately protected in various agreements with India," he said. 

He stressed the need to shift public sentiment, stating, "We want to ensure that people feel India is our close friend. People's expectations need to be fulfilled by making things visible."

Responding to a question, he emphasised on the interim government's commitment to balanced foreign relations.

"It does not carry any meaning if someone thinks that this interim government is only looking in a certain direction. We want to maintain smooth and good relations with all, including India, China, and the west [US, UK and other western countries]."

On the topic of human rights, the adviser said there is positive support from international partners. "Their concerns are our concerns," he said.

He further said the government will leave through holding a fair and neutral election and reiterated their pledge to take steps against the perpetrators responsible for recent incidents.

"Our key objective is to hold a fair and neutral election. Let's not speculate now," he said, adding that the timing of the next election will only be announced once a stable environment is restored in the country.

"There is no room for doubt about this. Our first priority is to restore stability. It could take seven days, 15 days, or even two months," he said.

The foreign affairs adviser mentioned that the government has received a list from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement documenting around 450 deaths in recent protests, which will be verified and updated.

Asked whether the government will bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he said this is an issue for the Law Ministry and they will act only if they receive any such request from the Law Ministry.

In response to another question, he said, "During the quota reform movement, protests were held by expatriates abroad. In one country, several people have been imprisoned. We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure their release. The Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will speak at the highest level to secure their freedom."

Regarding minority issues, the adviser said the chief adviser will sit with all representatives of the minority communities soon.

Touhid Hossain also assured that transparency and honesty will be upheld in every step of the government's actions and hoped that the law and order situation would significantly improve within a week.

In response to a question regarding Sheikh Hasina's allegation that her government was ousted from power for refusing to hand over St Martin's Island to another country, he said, "At the very least, I can assure you that we did not come to power by making any such commitment. I also hope that the students did not protest for this reason."