Dhaka: Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today said that Delhi needs to decide what kind of relationship India wants with Bangladesh. He made the remarks while asked to comment on recent remarks of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s regarding Bangladesh and India bilateral relations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a literary festival at Delhi University, Jaishankar asserted that Bangladesh must decide what kind of relationship it seeks with India. Hossain responded by emphasizing that the decision is mutual and India also needs to determine what kind of relationship it desires with Bangladesh. He stated, “This is a mutual matter, and there is nothing wrong in stating that.”
Hossain affirmed Bangladesh’s clear stance on its relations with India, highlighting the importance of a good working relationship based on mutual respect and shared interests. He stated, “We want a relationship built on mutual understanding, and there is no ambiguity in our position.”
Hossain also addressed the statements made by Bangladesh’s ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her stay in India, suggesting that her remarks were detrimental to Dhaka-Delhi relations. He pointed out that such statements could increase tensions and that her remarks were widely recognized as adding fuel to the fire.
On the topic of Indian visas, Hossain remarked that it is India’s prerogative to grant or deny visas but stressed the need for exploring alternative solutions if Bangladeshis face difficulties in obtaining them.