Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain believes that Bangladesh and India can stop border killings if both sides want to, and Teesta water sharing is also possible if Delhi chooses to.
He shared his thoughts after he met with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Wednesday at his office.
“Regarding the border issue, I have said that if we want, both sides can definitely stop it. I told him (the High Commissioner) that even when I was free (no adviser), I wrote a lot about this, and we believe that it is possible to stop it. He tried to express some disagreement.”
Touhid Hossain said: “I have said that relationships should be people-centred. It is not just a matter of relations between governments without any role for the people. There are some problems that need to be resolved, and we need to improve them. People should feel that they are friends.”
Regarding the distribution of Teesta River water, the foreign adviser said: “I mentioned that I know the water is scarce. There is not enough water for one side even. I told him that the water is very scarce but still present. Even if there are 100 cusecs of water, can not you give us 30 cusecs?”
He, however, said there had been no discussion on the Teesta multi-purpose project which was discussed during former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s India visit in July.
The adviser said he also conveyed that the interim government does not favour statements made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina while she is in India.
The government believes that these statements will not contribute to improving relations between the two countries.
“I told him (the High Commissioner) that statements made by the former prime minister while in India would not aid in improving relations. This is the government’s position.”
Regarding the High Commissioner’s response, Touhid Hossain said: “How can he (the High Commissioner) respond? He can not decide on this matter. I believe he can not say much about it. The ambassador can not answer this; it can only be decided at the highest level. He will likely inform his headquarters.”
In the context of the discussion with the Indian High Commissioner, the Adviser said: “The statements from the former prime minister are not reassuring for us. We hope she will refrain from making such statements from India. I am not calling this a hostile act, but it is a hindrance to friendly relations. This is our position.”
Recently, Indian media outlet The Print published a statement from former Bangladesh’s prime minister Sheikh Hasina, in which she accused foreign powers like the US of being involved in her ousting.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, however, dismissed such media reports.
Regarding the case against the former prime minister, Touhid Hossain said: “If the law and home ministries instruct us to bring her back, we will. The Foreign Ministry has no role in this matter. It is the work of the Home and Law Ministries. We will act according to their instructions.”
The adviser also reminded the Indian High Commissioner about the exaggeration by Indian media concerning attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
He said: “Some incidents have occurred here, and we are investigating them. This government will not tolerate attacks on anyone. Each incident will be investigated, and those found guilty will be brought to justice. I have told the Indian High Commissioner that Indian media is exaggerating this matter, which should not be the case.”
In China, the adviser said Ambassador Yao Wen has conveyed that change in the government does not affect relations with China.
Agreeing with the Ambassador, he said: “The people of Bangladesh view China positively.”
“China communicates its position in writing. Whatever they want to say, they bring it in written form. This remains the same in terms of our relationship. I informed him that whether it is Taiwan or the one China policy, we have always supported them. Bangladesh remains in the same position.”
The foreign adviser added: “He (the Ambassador) also said that changes in government here do not affect relations with China. The people of Bangladesh have a strong relationship with China. I also said that the people of Bangladesh view China positively. Therefore, regardless of government changes, relations will always be good.”
He also sought China’s support in overcoming economic challenges.
Touhid Hossain said: “We are facing economic difficulties. We hope China will assist us.”
On Wednesday, diplomats from India, China, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the EU, and the US met with the foreign adviser for courtesy calls.
The adviser said they all support the new government and wish to work with us.
