The interim government has conveyed to India that the statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina originating from India are “not conducive” to fostering better bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.
The issue was raised when High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
“About former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, he (adviser) mentioned that such statements emanating from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The adviser also mentioned the “highly exaggerated” media campaign in India about what’s happening in Bangladesh.
He mentioned that the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order and bring the economy on track.
The government is working on meaningful reforms and a lasting transformation to fulfill the aspirations of the people, especially the youth, said the adviser.
The government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections, he said.
The adviser thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes extended to the Chief Adviser.
The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his new responsibilities.
He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes to the Chief Adviser and expressed the keenness of the government of India to work with the interim government in the coming days to fulfill the shared aspirations of the people from both countries.
The Adviser for Foreign Affairs affirmed the interim government’s commitment to ensure peaceful coexistence of different communities in Bangladesh including the minorities.
Sheikh Hasina, in her latest statement, shared through her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, said that since last July, the “acts of sabotage, arson, and violence in the name of movements” have resulted in many innocent citizens of the country losing their lives.
“Students, teachers, police officers—including pregnant women—journalists, cultural activists, workers, leaders, activists of the Awami League (and its affiliated organizations), pedestrians, and others who were working in various establishments have fallen victim to ‘terrorist aggression’ and lost their lives. I express my heartfelt sorrow and pray for the peace of their souls,” she said.
“People like me, who continue to live with the pain of losing their loved ones, I offer my deepest sympathy. I demand a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these heinous killings and acts of sabotage,” she added.
Hasina urged all to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 with due respect and solemnity. “Please offer floral tributes and prayers at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and pray for the peace of the departed souls.”