Joining bloc with Pakistan strategically possible: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today (10 December) said it is strategically possible for Bangladesh to join a regional grouping with Pakistan excluding India, while noting that such an option may not be feasible for Nepal or Bhutan.

"It is possible for us (Bangladesh) strategically … but it is not possible for Nepal or Bhutan to form a grouping with Pakistan excluding India," he said while responding to a reporter's question at the foreign ministry.

His remarks came after Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently stated at the 'Islamabad Conclave' that a new trilateral initiative involving Bangladesh, China and Pakistan has begun and may expand to include countries within and beyond the region.

Touhid said Dar "has said something, and perhaps at some point this could see some progress," adding that he had no further comment as he had only come across the information through the media.

On the lifting of US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the adviser said the process is ongoing and highlighted "significant progress" in RAB's operations over the past 15 years, reiterating the government's full commitment to preventing human rights violations, abductions and extrajudicial killings.

Asked about the possibility of sanctions against Bangladeshi leaders after 5 August, he dismissed the prospect, saying he had not seen any allegations suggesting such risks.

Regarding the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with the United States, Touhid said discussions have continued in this regard.

On high visa refusal rates for Bangladeshi students and other applicants, the adviser said many cases stem from forged documents submitted by some applicants during the visa process.