Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in New Delhi will not affect the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India.
"The bilateral relationship between the two countries is not influenced by the presence of one individual in a country. Bilateral relations are a significant matter, involving mutual interests from both sides—India has its interests, and Bangladesh has its interests," he said in response to a question during a briefing for diplomats at the state guesthouse Padma on Monday.
This briefing marked the first diplomatic engagement of the new interim government, following Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5 and her departure to India.
Second Liberation
During the briefing, Adviser Touhid Hossain provided context for the formation of the interim government, saying that Bangladesh had experienced a second liberation last week, driven by a mass uprising led by courageous students.
"The combined forces of students and the general public have triumphed over authoritarianism and repression, striving to end discrimination and inequity," he said.
He paid tribute to the brave students and innocent citizens who sacrificed their lives to achieve this victory, which he described as the second major triumph for Bangladesh since its independence.
"What began as a student movement against a discriminatory public service recruitment system quickly evolved into a nationwide revolutionary struggle for a just, fair, and inclusive society," he explained.
He accused the previous Awami League government of committing gross human rights violations in their attempts to suppress the popular movement. “However, the sheer power of the people ultimately led to the fall of the authoritarian regime.”
The adviser emphasized that the interim government is committed to meeting the renewed expectations of the people following this second liberation.
He expressed confidence that the international community would continue to support the interim government and the people of Bangladesh as they work towards a new future.
"Bangladesh is on the brink of a new beginning," he added, noting the aspirations of the younger generation for meaningful reform and lasting transformation. "We are proud of our students for being the vanguard of the new Bangladesh they envision."
Representatives from all diplomatic missions in Dhaka, including UN agencies, attended the briefing.
They inquired about security measures, the Rohingya issue, and the current situation.
However, Touhid Hossain noted that none of the diplomats asked about elections or the return of the former prime minister.
He mentioned that one diplomat expressed a desire to see youth representation in the future elected government.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen termed the present condition of Bangladesh as its internal affair.
"It is internal affairs of Bangladesh,” he said. He also mentioned that China welcomes the formation of the interim government.
“China will continue to work with Bangladesh," he told reporters after the meeting.
Restoring normalcy
Touhid Hossain expressed confidence that the interim government would continue to enjoy the full support of the general population and the international community.
"Our most urgent task is to restore normalcy to the overall law and order situation. We are working on creating an environment conducive to the resumption of full operations by the police force," he said.
He also mentioned that the patriotic armed forces would continue to serve the nation as needed.
The interim government is committed to essential policy and institutional reforms to ensure a democratic and prosperous future, Touhid stated.
He emphasized the government's dedication to promoting and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The foreign adviser assured the diplomats that the interim government takes human rights issues seriously. He referred to the inclusion of advisers who have track records of working on human rights issues.
National reconciliation
The foreign affairs adviser also highlighted the government's commitment to upholding judicial independence and press freedom, including in the cyber domain.
He said the interim government would promote national reconciliation through inclusive dialogue and accountability and added that all political parties are now free to voice their views and opinions in this drastically changed environment.
"The interim government makes it a priority to ensure justice and accountability for all deaths and violences committed during the recent mass uprising through nationally-led, independent investigation and judicial processes.
"In the process, the government shall remain engaged with relevant international partners, including the UN, to avail itself of appropriate support for facilitating such processes in a sound and seamless manner," Touhid added.
International support
The government has taken swift measures to restore law and order and ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups, Touhid Hossain said, emphasizing that any violence or intimidation against these groups would not be tolerated.
He assured that the security of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel remains a core priority, along with the protection of all foreign citizens residing in Bangladesh.
The foreign adviser urged the international community to continue supporting Bangladesh in its renewed nation-building efforts.
He expressed appreciation for the positive remarks from international partners following the formation of the interim government and reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to upholding international legal obligations, including international humanitarian and human rights laws.
"Under the interim government, Bangladesh shall continue to remain an active proponent of multilateralism, with UN at the core," he said.
Touhid expressed a desire to maintain and enhance Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
He also sought continued international support for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their sustainable repatriation.
He called on development partners, including multilateral development banks and international financial institutions, to provide meaningful support to help Bangladesh overcome its economic challenges.
"We assure that legitimate foreign business interests will not be affected, and we urge our expatriates, especially those in major migrant-hosting countries, to continue enjoying their rights and protections," the foreign adviser concluded.
