Both Bangladesh and India should foster “good working relations,” according to Mohammed Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Advisor of Bangladesh, who described New Delhi as Dhaka’s “largest neighbor.” In an interview, Touhid emphasized their mutual desire for cooperation, stating that while discussions were constructive, the issue of Sheikh Hasina was not addressed.
“My conversation with Dr. Jaishankar was productive. It seems both India and Bangladesh are keen on maintaining good working relations, and Dr. Jaishankar acknowledged this. We had open and fair discussions, recognizing the importance of collaboration,” Touhid remarked late Monday.
The two countries share a border exceeding 4,000 kilometers and have maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal. Recently, Touhid met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He assured that despite the visa issuance process not being fully normalized, trade has resumed and ongoing projects are continuing.
“Trade has been ongoing, and after a brief pause following the government transition, it has picked up again. Approved agreements will proceed as planned,” he said, noting that the Indian visa offices are not fully operational yet. However, he indicated that the situation is improving.
Touhid Hossain affirmed that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India will continue as usual, highlighting the many commonalities and complementary interests between the two nations. “We have shared interests, and both countries recognize the necessity of cooperation. We will find ways to serve our citizens without hostility, despite some strong feelings that may exist on both sides.”
He refrained from commenting on reports alleging that the U.S. government orchestrated a coup to replace Sheikh Hasina, stating instead that the recent political movement was a spontaneous reaction from the youth. “I won’t comment on that, as we cannot undermine the sacrifices made by the younger generations. Their struggles led to significant changes in government, including the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. It was a spontaneous agitation that unified calls for a government change,” Touhid explained.
A month ago, a student-led movement resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and clashes that left over 600 people dead. Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5, leading to the formation of an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
In response to concerns about violence against minority groups following the political shift, Touhid stated that while tensions rose immediately after Hasina’s departure, the violence was primarily directed at Awami League supporters rather than being religiously motivated. “After Sheikh Hasina’s exit, there was a temporary administrative vacuum, which led to heightened tensions and some violent incidents. However, labeling them as anti-Hindu actions would be misleading,” he said.
Regarding the recent protests against Durga Puja, he asserted, “It is strange to see any dissent against such a long-standing tradition. Durga Puja has been celebrated in Bangladesh for ages, and worshippers should have the opportunity to practice their faith without doubt.”
Currently, Bangladesh is experiencing a fluid political situation following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid escalating protests. The student-led movement, initially focused on job quotas, has evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
