Dhaka seeks peace, not conflict: Touhid tells his Pakistani counterpart

The Foreign Adviser said the Pakistani Foreign Minister called to brief him on the steps Islamabad has taken following recent developments in the region. Photo: Collected

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said he conveyed to Pakistan that Bangladesh seeks peace and wants to avoid any form of conflict in the region.

Touhid Hossain highlighted the importance of dialogue in finding a solution to any problem during a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart.

"When the Pakistan foreign minister called me, I told him we want peace. We don't want to see any conflict here," Hossain told reporters when asked about his conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday night.

Asked whether the message would be conveyed to India, Hossain replied, "If India wants to know anything from me, I will tell Delhi exactly the same thing. I don't need to say anything in advance."

The foreign adviser said the Pakistani foreign minister called to brief him on the steps Islamabad has taken following recent developments in the region.

"He did not ask for support or any particular reaction. I simply said peace needs to prevail, and steps should be taken to deescalate tensions. No incident should take place that can escalate the tensions. It is our expectation. We want a solution to any problem through dialogue," said the foreign adviser.

The foreign adviser, during the telephone conversation, expressed concern regarding the current situation in the region and stressed the importance of exercising restraint by all parties.

Hossain also emphasised the need for de-escalation, according to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan shared the information through its X handle at 10:41pm on Monday.

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister briefed the adviser on the escalating regional tensions resulting from India's unfounded allegations and unilateral measures, including its arbitrary decision to suspend provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. 

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations and emphasised the need for maintaining regular high-level engagements.

They also discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation on regional and multilateral fora.