Sheikh Hasina's statements from India bad for bilateral ties: Foreign Adviser

Expressing concerns about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent statements, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain mentioned that such statements emanating from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations.

He raised the issue when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma called on him at the Foreign Ministry in the capital, and a ministry press release said so on Wednesday. 

The adviser stressed some key issues with India like stopping border killing, concluding the Teesta water-sharing agreement, and ensuring the supply of essential commodities. He also emphasized the importance of fostering more "people-centric engagement" with New Delhi in the coming days. Md Touhid Hossain especially pointed out the highly exaggerated media campaign in India about what is happening in Bangladesh.

The Adviser reiterated that Bangladesh wants to work closely with India to promote bilateral relations.

The Indian high commissioner congratulated the Adviser on his new assignment and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's good wishes to the Chief Adviser Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The envoy expressed the keen willingness of the Indian government to work with Bangladesh's interim government in the coming days to fulfil the shared aspirations of the people of both countries.

The foreign affairs adviser thanked the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes, which were extended to the Chief Adviser, on his assumption of new responsibility.

Hossain affirmed the interim government's commitment to ensure the 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.

All religious groups and the political parties are also working to ensure the safety and security of the minorities, he added.

The foreign affairs adviser also briefed the high commissioner about the current situation in Bangladesh.

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.

Hossain said the interim government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections.

He mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students.

He said the combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest to end discrimination and inequities.

Hossain said the movement by fearless students against a discriminatory public service recruitment system soon morphed into a nationwide 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.