Touhid blasts journalists for not questioning Indian FS on election remarks

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain rebuked journalists for failing to pose counter-questions to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri, who during his India visit called for inclusive and transparent elections in Bangladesh.

Touhid Hossain voiced this criticism while responding to a reporter's query at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday afternoon.

Addressing the media, he said: "Our journalists went to India. I have an observation about you. When the Indian Foreign Secretary said they want inclusive and transparent elections, he threw a question right in your face. But none of you asked it. The question was: Why didn’t you say this for the last 15 years? Were the previous elections correct under this formula?" 

Despite the opportunity, no one raised the issue, he added.

He expressed surprise, noting the presence of many senior and experienced journalists. "When the Indian Foreign Secretary gave the chance, at least one question could have been asked without embarrassing them," Touhid Hossain said.

On Sheikh Hasina's extradition, Touhid stated, "We have followed the legal process to request her return. We formally asked on court orders. India has not responded yet; they are handling it their way."

Regarding clearance for the new UN resident coordinator to operate in Bangladesh, he remarked, "Problems arise; no one like that will come." 

Asked if Bangladesh is seeking a replacement, Touhid replied: "I don’t want to say anything more than that."