Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has stressed the importance of enhancing relations with India, emphasizing the need to address issues head-on.
"To solve a problem, we must first admit it exists," he stated.
Speaking at a seminar titled “Saarc: People of South Asia Crave For” at the National Press Club on Sunday, Hossain acknowledged a significant qualitative shift in Bangladesh-India relations before and after August 5.
He urged continued efforts to build on this momentum, proposing the revival of the Foreign Affairs Consultation mechanism.
The adviser said the recent economic slowdowns have affected both nations, especially West Bengal, though the impact remains moderate.
Expressing optimism about overcoming regional challenges, the adviser called for revitalizing Saarc, urging gradual progress toward larger goals.
"Regional collaboration is vital for eradicating poverty and achieving shared success," he added.
The foreign affairs adviser said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is very sincere to revitalize the Saarc and the efforts to that end can begin with foreign-secretary level standing committee meeting of the Saarc.
Amid strained ties and growing criticisms from both sides on post-August 5 issues, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is coming to Bangladesh on Monday to hold several meetings apart from attending the foreign secretary-level talks to address mutual concerns.
