Bangladesh keen to revive SAARC: Foreign adviser
India-Bangladesh relations should be developed at the public level, he says
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that Bangladesh is interested in reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
"While the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) was considered as an alternative to SAARC, it has not yet established itself as a functional entity, largely due to the ongoing instability in Myanmar," he said during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital today (2 September).
The foreign adviser said Bangladesh never viewed BIMSTEC as a replacement for SAARC.
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Addressing the recent strain in relations with India, he said, "If there are some tensions, we must work bilaterally to resolve them. We believe that relationships should be people-centred, and it's crucial for the public to feel that the relationship is positive."
The adviser said that the golden era of relations was during the tenures of both the Modi and Hasina governments.
"We want good relations at the public level with active involvement from people. There were frustrations among the public, and I believe both sides can take appropriate steps to address these concerns."
Regarding the role of the Indian media, Touhid Hossain said, "What happened in the Indian media was completely false and exaggerated. After any revolution, some disorder is expected."
"We have undergone a revolution here, and some disturbances may have occurred. However, the way the Indian media sensationalised these events was not accepted by any impartial global media. I believe we have moved past that stage."
Regarding the chief adviser's upcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly, he said that a small delegation would accompany him.
"We are not sending a large delegation, and the chief adviser aims to complete his work as efficiently as possible. The entire visit, including travel time, should not exceed one week," he added.
Asked about tensions with India and improving relations with Pakistan, he said that there had been some friction with Pakistan in the past for various reasons.
He added, "If our relationship with Pakistan improves, it should be welcomed by everyone. We want friendship with all. There's no benefit in continuing hostilities with Pakistan."
