Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain said on Thursday that the country’s relations with India have witnessed a ‘hit’ during the interim regime led by Muhammad Yunus. As Bangladesh’s 13th national election is set to be held next week, he expressed hope that relations could be restored under an elected government.
The 78-year-old former prime minister sought asylum in India on August 5, 2024 after he was ousted in violent student-led protests that rocked Bangladesh. (AP file photo for representation)Addressing a media briefing about six days ahead of national elections since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her government in August 2024, Hussain said, “Relations faced some setbacks during the interim government, but they (relationships) were important,” news agency PTI reported.
Speaking about the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Hussain admitted that Bangladesh’s bilateral progress had stalled in several important areas, referring to the period as a ‘period of no progress’ and refusing to term it a major crisis.
Hussain, a former career diplomat who also served as deputy high commissioner to India, blamed the slowness on ‘different perceptions of national interests’ between India and Bangladesh, adding that each side followed its own priorities, which did not always align.
Optimism ahead of Bangladesh electionsA week before Bangladesh’s national elections, Hussain spoke about Sheikh Hasina’s asylum in India.
“Don’t be pessimistic,” Hussain said when asked about the next government’s possible decision to restore ties with India if New Delhi refuses to back him.
The 78-year-old former prime minister sought asylum in India on August 5, 2024 after he was ousted in violent student-led protests that rocked Bangladesh.
Hossian welcomed the interim government, saying it was “not leaving behind unresolved burdens” and instead took forward several important issues to ensure continuity, expressing optimism that the next elected government would be able to find some way to smooth relations between the two countries.
