Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain (Left) talks to reporters at the state guest house Padma on Monday. Photo: Collected
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday said that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India will remain unchanged if former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lives in India.
“Bilateral relations is an important issue ... it’s built on mutual interest,” he said. When asked by a journalist if Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged stay in India might affect ties between the two neighboring countries.
“This is a hypothetical question. If someone stays in a country, why would relations with that particular country will be affected. There is no reason for that,” he said.
Hossain made these comments while speaking to reporters after briefing diplomats, including Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, at the state guest house Padma in Dhaka.
The adviser said bilateral relations are driven by mutual interests. Friendship is based on interests, and it does not survive if those interests are compromised, he said.
BSS added that Hossain pointed out that India has its interests in Bangladesh, just as Dhaka has its interests in Delhi. “We will pursue our interests, and our efforts to maintain good relations with India will continue,” he said.
He also reaffirmed that Bangladesh is committed to upholding all agreements made with other countries. In this regard, he sought cooperation from the international community.
The adviser also assured the international community of an improved situation, with adequate security measures in place.
The Rohingya issue was also discussed in the briefing, added the adviser.
