Adviser Hopes for Quick Resolution of Visa Issues with India

"We did not create the visa complications. India stopped issuing them for reasons of its own, and it's their sovereign right," Hossain said, adding that when a country decides not to issue visas, it is within their authority and no questions can be raised.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain expressed hope that India would soon clarify its stance or take action to facilitate visa issuance for those wishing to travel to India.

The Adviser also reiterated the position of Bangladesh, as stated by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with India based on mutual respect and reciprocity. "This has always been our position," Hossain added.

In an interview with BBC Bangla, Prof Yunus acknowledged the historical and deep-rooted ties between the two countries, noting that recent tensions had arisen due to propaganda. "There have been some clouds in the relationship, but they mostly stemmed from misinformation," Yunus explained, adding that despite these issues, the fundamental relationship remains strong.

Yunus stressed that Bangladesh-India relations are "historically, politically, and economically" intertwined, and both nations must continue to foster good relations. "There is no alternative to maintaining strong ties between our two countries," he said.

He also highlighted the ongoing communication between the two nations, including a recent message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Prof Yunus and their subsequent telephone conversation. Modi had invited Yunus to the third Voice of Global South Summit, which was hosted virtually by New Delhi last August.