Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has expressed dissatisfaction with the issuance of statements by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India.
The foreign adviser said such statements emanating from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations, according a foreign ministry statement issued on Wednesday (14 August).
Touhid Hossain made the comment after Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (14 August).
During the meeting, the foreign affairs adviser briefed the High Commissioner about the current situation in Bangladesh. He mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students. The combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest for ending discriminations and inequities. The fearless student movement against a discriminatory public service recruitment system soon morphed into a nation-wide revolutionary struggle to establish a rules-based, just, fair and inclusive society. Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus agreed to take the helm of the interim government at the request of the students and people.
He mentioned 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. The government is working on meaningful reforms and a lasting transformation to fulfill the aspiration of the people, especially the youth. The government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections.
Touhid Hossain thanked the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes extended to the Chief Adviser on his assumption of his new responsibilities.
He mentioned that Bangladesh wants to work closely with India for promoting bilateral relations. He stressed on more ‘people centric engagement’ in the upcoming days. He particularly stressed on some key issues like stopping Border Killing, conclusion of Teesta Water sharing Agreement, and ensuring supply of essential commodities.
Adviser for Foreign Affairs also mentioned about a highly exaggerated media campaign about happenings in Bangladesh.
The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his new responsibilities. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes to the Hon’ble Chief Adviser and expressed the keen willingness of the Government of India to work with the interim government in the coming days to fulfill the shared aspirations of peoples from both countries.
Touhid Hossain affirmed the Interim Government’s commitment to ensure peaceful coexistence of different communities in Bangladesh including the minorities. He mentioned 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. He added that all religious groups and other political parties are also working to ensure safety and security of the minorities.
