Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed on Tuesday that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus discussed the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he clarified that no decisions have been finalised on the matter.
Addressing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adviser Hossain refrained from divulging further details about the discussions, stating that the issue remains unresolved.
"The further improvement of relations depends on efforts from both sides," Adviser Hossain said, emphasizing mutual collaboration. "We need to progress the relations together."
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, speaking to reporters in Bangkok after the high-level meeting, noted that Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of avoiding rhetoric that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.
Responding to queries, Adviser Hossain agreed with this sentiment, acknowledging that inflammatory remarks have also been observed from the Indian side.
The talks, held on the sidelines of an international forum in Bangkok, focused on strengthening ties and resolving sensitive bilateral issues.
Asked about the Teesta River Management Project with China, he said Bangladesh remains open to both India and China, and Bangladesh will look into where Bangladesh’s interest is protected.
Indian Prime Minister Modi on Friday reiterated India's support for a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh during his first- ever bilateral meeting with Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the 6th Bimstec Summit.
Responding to a question, Adviser Hossain said the government is committed to handover the responsibility to an elected political leadership after holding the election.
He also said Bangladesh's friends always discuss the election issues.
Modi expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their longstanding and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.
The Indian Prime Minister underlined that India believes in a people-centric approach in a relationship and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries for a long period of time that delivered tangible benefits to people on both sides.
He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism.
Responding to a question on Rohingya repatriation, Hossain said Myanmar agreed that 180,000 are fit to return, but it does not mean that the Rohingya people will return immediately given the situation on the ground in Rakhine state.
The Foreign Adviser said by and large both the visits - China and BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand- fulfilled Bangladesh's expectations.
