Dhaka: Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today emphasized that India must address Bangladesh's longstanding concerns to improve bilateral ties between Dhaka and New Delhi. Speaking at a roundtable titled 'Bangladesh-India Relations: Expectations, Barriers and Future,' Touhid highlighted the lack of progress on critical issues, including the Teesta water-sharing agreement and border incidents. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Touhid remarked that while Bangladesh's previous government had addressed India's concerns, India has not reciprocated by addressing Bangladesh's issues. The event, hosted by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) and the Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) of North South University (NSU), brought attention to the troubling problem of border killings, which Touhid noted do not occur along the borders of other countries unless there is a state of war. He stressed that India must take responsibility for these issues, asserting that indivi duals who commit crimes should face prosecution in court rather than extrajudicial killings. Touhid also expressed concerns about an aggressive media campaign in India against Bangladesh, particularly since August 5, which he believes hinders the development of healthy bilateral relations. He urged the Bangladeshi media to play a constructive role in fact-checking and providing accurate coverage, especially concerning statements from the foreign ministry. Despite the current diplomatic challenges, the adviser expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh-India relations, acknowledging the changes in relations following August 5. He conveyed Dhaka's desire to establish a good relationship with India while ensuring that bilateral interests are protected. Touhid underscored the necessity of a national consensus on foreign policy, pointing out that political divisions have prevented Bangladesh from fully capitalizing on its potential. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing the country's national c apacity through human resource development, noting that Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East earn less than their Indian counterparts due to a lack of skills and English proficiency. The roundtable featured panel discussants including Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Dr SM Asaduzzaman Ripon, joint member secretary of the AB Party Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, former diplomat Saquib Ali, former Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, and Vice-Chancellor of Manarat International University Prof Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob. NSU Vice-chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury chaired the event, while Dr M Jashim Uddin, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and Sociology, served as the moderator.
