Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has called on India to exercise restraint with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, suggesting that India should “at least put some restrictions on her."
In an exclusive interview with The Hindu published on Tuesday, he said this would be to prevent her from making “incendiary and false statements” that could destabilize the situation in Bangladesh.
Touhid said Hasina’s public statements could provoke strong reactions among the Bangladeshi people, many of whom are still angered by her actions during her long tenure in power.
“For 15 years, she was in power, and people feel very, very strongly angry about her actions,” Touhid said. “We would expect they can at least put some restrictions on her so that she does not make incendiary statements while she’s in India.”
Touhid referred to the historical context of bilateral ties with India, saying: “Why only look at the past 15 years? Even during the BNP’s time (2001-2006), the trade within the two countries increased exponentially.”
He further pointed out that the 1996-1997 Ganga water agreement is another example of strong cooperation between the nations.
According to the adviser, relations between India and Bangladesh should not be influenced by the leadership of either country.
Regarding the possibility of a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, at the upcoming Bimstec Summit in April, Touhid expressed optimism. “There is willingness from both sides to meet and discuss things freely and frankly.”
On the matter of fishermen being arrested for crossing into the other country’s waters, Touhid acknowledged that maritime boundaries are not as clearly defined as land borders.
While he did not dismiss claims of mistreatment, Touhid pointed out that there was no systematic abuse. “I have conducted these exchanges, and they are not mistreated. If there has been an exception, we will of course look into this,” he added.
Touhid also raised concerns about the safety of individuals at the border, particularly regarding the use of lethal force by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).
He called for an end to these practices, suggesting that individuals suspected of crimes should be arrested and brought to justice rather than "executed" on the spot.
Turning to the issue of Hasina’s extradition, Touhid reiterated that Bangladesh has ongoing cases against her and has formally requested India to send her back to face trial.
While acknowledging that the extradition process could take time, Touhid urged India to help by ensuring that Hasina does not incite further instability. “It might take time, but what we want is that she does not make incendiary statements while she’s in India,” he said.
Touhid also addressed the ongoing power supply negotiations with the Adani Group, which has been a source of tension between Bangladesh and India.
While he confirmed that the Bangladesh government has requested the full restoration of power, he stressed the need for a renegotiation of the agreement.
Despite these challenges, the adviser remained optimistic about the future of India-Bangladesh relations. “Both countries have interests in each other and we need to take care of that.”
