Desk Report
Publish: 14 Dec 2024, 04:35 pm
Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain || Photo: Collected
Interim Government's Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain is a graduate in History from Dhaka University. He joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1981. From January 1999 to February 2000, he served as the Principal of the Foreign Service Academy.
He was the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata from 2001 to 2005. From December 17, 2006, to July 8, 2009, he served as the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh. He also served as the Principal of the Foreign Service Academy from July 2009 to July 2012. In June 2012, Touhid Hossain was appointed Bangladesh's High Commissioner to South Africa. He has worked in various institutions and recently shared his views on contemporary issues with the country’s leading media outlet. The interview was conducted by Md. Hossain.
Q: What is the current state of Bangladesh-India relations after the formation of the interim government?
A: There has been a qualitative change in Bangladesh-India relations since August 5, and both countries need to work on improving their relationship. However, I believe the complexities are increasing. The relationship between the two countries is multifaceted and currently, the economic activities are somewhat one-sided.
Q: Is the economy of Bangladesh and India being harmed due to the current state of relations?
A: Yes, the current relations between Bangladesh and India have affected the economies of both countries. However, there is a need to figure out how to improve the relationship. Recently, I had discussions on this matter with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Q: Is it necessary to restart the activities of SAARC?
A: For business and economic interests, SAARC's activities should be resumed. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor, also wants the activities of SAARC to begin again. Due to reservations from Pakistan and India, regional cooperation has been hindered. Summits were supposed to take place every year, but there have been no meetings between heads of states. This could be revived through SAARC.
Q: How is Bangladesh's export of goods after the formation of the interim government?
A: We are importing electricity, diesel, rice, onions, and potatoes from India. However, Bangladesh's exports to India are not happening. The political, diplomatic, and commercial relationship between the two countries is important, and we also share a long-standing cultural bond. Many Bangladeshi students and job seekers need to go to Delhi for visas for third countries. For the past 15 years, India provided easy visa access, but since August, visas have been significantly restricted. Easier visa access could be the first step in improving India’s goodwill.
Q: Will India take steps to increase visas for Bangladeshis?
A: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has confirmed that India will take steps to increase the number of visas for Bangladeshis.
Q: Why have tensions increased between the two countries?
A: Since August 5, Bangladesh's internal political realities have created tensions in our relations with India, and various problems have arisen. I believe both sides need to come forward to resolve the issues. We need to remain vigilant to ensure that the situation does not get out of control. Diplomatic solutions must be sought for any issues between the two countries. Decisions should be made based on reality and necessity, and we should avoid creating public tensions. Recent incidents, such as protests in front of the Bangladesh Consulate in Kolkata, have worsened the situation. Supporters of the BJP burned the Bangladesh national flag, which is a concerning incident. The host country has the responsibility to provide security for any mission and its personnel. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has protested the incident and demanded necessary measures for the security of diplomats. We hope that India will take the necessary steps in this regard. As neighbors, we cannot ignore each other. Just as we need India, India also needs Bangladesh.
Q: Will India be requested to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina?
A: The government will decide on this matter. After being ousted from power, Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India and attempted to create tension by making various statements. We have clearly communicated our concerns regarding this issue to India.
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