CA working to improve diplomatic ties with India: Finance adviser
Salehuddin expressed optimism that bilateral relations would not decline further.
Highlights
- CA working to ease diplomatic strains with India through engagement with relevant stakeholders
- Bangladesh approved the import of 50,000 tonnes of rice and onions from India
- The government said anti-India rhetoric by some groups does not reflect Bangladesh's national position and is complicating bilateral relations
- Security concerns have disrupted Indian visa operations in Bangladesh, while Dhaka and New Delhi issued conflicting accounts over protests in New Delhi
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is actively working to enhance diplomatic relations with India, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said today (23 December), noting that the relations between the two neighbouring country's has not deteriorated significantly.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisers' Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat, Salehuddin expressed optimism that bilateral relations would not decline further.
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"The chief adviser is working to improve diplomatic relations with India and he himself has also been speaking to various stakeholders on the issue," said the adviser.
When asked whether the chief adviser has directly spoken to India, he said the chief adviser has not but he did speak to those associated with the matter.
Emphasising relations with India, the finance adviser said trade and politics should be viewed separately.
While there may be some sensitive issues or rhetoric at the diplomatic level, maintaining good relations with India is essential for economic interests, Salahuddin noted.
He mentioned that Bangladesh approved a proposal today as well to purchase 50,000 tonnes of rice from India, as a means to seek good relations.
Importing this rice has also benefited Bangladesh, the adviser said, as sourcing rice from Vietnam instead of India would cost Tk10 more per kilogram.
The finance adviser further said although there was some delay, approval has been given to import onions from India and that efforts were ongoing to improve relations with India.
He reiterated that the chief adviser is working on enhancing diplomatic ties with India, and he himself has spoken with the Indian High Commission. They have informed him that they are also working to improve relations as well.
"From the outside, it may sound like many things are happening. But the situation has not reached such a bad stage. However, there are some statements that are difficult to shut out," the adviser said.
When asked whether people or external forces are making anti-India statements, Salehuddin said, "These are creating complicated situations for Bangladesh and do not represent the country's national expression."
The finance adviser said the government does not want any trouble with neighbouring countries. Bangladesh currently believes in regionalism and is interested in maintaining economic relations with India, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan.
Following the political changeover on 5 August 2024, tensions emerged in Bangladesh-India relations.
Both countries have now expressed concerns over the security of their respective diplomatic missions.
Citing security reasons, operations at the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chattogram city were suspended indefinitely yesterday (Monday).
Earlier, due to protests, visa centres in Dhaka, Khulna and Rajshahi were partially closed for one day each last week, citing security risks.
Meanwhile, Dhaka and Delhi have issued contradictory statements regarding yesterday's protest in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
