Bangladesh-India Stalemate: Adviser Optimistic on Resolution

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain expressed optimism on Sunday that Bangladesh and India will soon overcome the stalemate that has defined their bilateral relations in recent months.

"We are hopeful that we will resolve this impasse. Establishing mutual communication and engaging in direct dialogues are crucial steps towards overcoming such deadlocks," Hossain stated, adding that Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Bangladesh on Monday will serve as a critical step in fostering dialogue.

Speaking at a seminar at the Jatiya Press Club, Hossain highlighted the importance of the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) as a regular platform for addressing issues between the two nations. "Meetings between foreign secretaries are a normal part of our diplomatic engagement," he explained. "I trust that this meeting will be productive, and that both sides will address concerns openly."

He underscored that acknowledging existing problems is the first step toward resolution. "It is important to accept the changed realities in our relations, especially after August 5, and to adapt our approach to moving forward," he added.

Hossain also pointed out that the downturn in bilateral trade and business activities over the past few months has adversely affected both countries, including businesses in Kolkata and West Bengal. "This situation has not only affected Bangladesh; it has had repercussions on both sides of the border," he noted.

The seminar, titled "The SAARC: People of South Asia Crave For," was organized by the Bangladesh Chapter of the SAARC Journalists Forum to commemorate SAARC Day. The forum, based in Kathmandu, brings together working journalists from South Asia.

In his speech, Hossain reiterated the importance of revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), emphasizing that the Chief Adviser, Prof Muhammad Yunus, is committed to reinvigorating the regional body. He suggested that efforts could begin with a foreign-secretary-level standing committee meeting. "It may take time for a full SAARC summit to materialize, but SAARC remains a relevant and essential platform for regional cooperation," he added.

The Adviser also called on foreign journalists to carry a message from the people of Bangladesh: they strongly support the revitalization of SAARC. "The media plays a crucial role in this endeavor," Hossain stressed.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, during a recent conversation with SAARC Secretary General Golam Sarwar, lamented that SAARC had been "forgotten" but expressed hope that revitalizing the organization would benefit the entire region.

Amid strained relations, marked by growing criticisms from both sides over issues following August 5, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Bangladesh will provide an opportunity for high-level discussions. Misri is scheduled to hold a series of meetings, including the FOC talks, to address mutual concerns. This will be the first visit by a senior Indian official since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Yunus, took office in August.

Foreign Secretary Misri, along with his Bangladesh counterpart Md Jashim Uddin, will lead their respective delegations at the FOC, which is a structured mechanism designed to facilitate comprehensive dialogue on bilateral matters. "We look forward to this engagement," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam confirmed that discussions would cover a range of issues, including trade, border management, connectivity, and water sharing. "Efforts are underway to ensure that all elements of the bilateral relationship are addressed," he said.

On a separate issue, the MEA reiterated its expectation that the legal rights of individuals involved in recent legal proceedings in Bangladesh be respected, and that trials are conducted fairly and transparently.

Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain affirmed Bangladesh’s desire for mutually beneficial relations with India. "We seek good relations, but it must be reciprocal," he remarked, emphasizing the need for both countries to work toward a balanced partnership.

The FOC, the latest institutional dialogue between the two countries, was last held in New Delhi on November 24, 2023. At that meeting, both sides discussed a broad range of issues, including security, trade, energy cooperation, and regional matters.