Let's work together: Foreign Advisor Touhid to India
Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has called on the Indian government to engage in meaningful collaboration to strengthen bilateral ties and advance shared interests.
In an article published in The Indian Express, Touhid expressed his and Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus's commitment to working earnestly towards enhancing the positive aspects of Bangladesh-India relations while addressing areas of tension with a pragmatic approach.
“Following the removal of the Awami League government through a student-led mass movement in July-August 2024, Bangladesh and India find themselves at a crucial crossroads. The Indian leadership, it appears, did not fully anticipate the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Nevertheless, it is essential to refocus on our shared interests and opportunities for cooperation,” he noted.
Touhid emphasized Bangladesh’s desire for a constructive and respectful partnership with India, expressing hope that New Delhi would reciprocate this sentiment.
“Our nations have a long history of collaboration, dating back to Bangladesh’s independence. Strengthening this partnership will benefit people on both sides of the border,” he wrote.
Acknowledging India's significant technological and economic advancements since the late 20th century, Touhid also highlighted Bangladesh’s impressive progress during the same period.
“Today, Bangladesh stands as the world’s second-largest exporter of garments, just behind China. Our contributions to UN peacekeeping missions surpass those of any other country, providing vital support in conflict zones worldwide. Furthermore, the microcredit model pioneered by Nobel Laureate Prof. Yunus has influenced global financial inclusion, including on a large scale in India,” he remarked.
Addressing concerns raised in India about the treatment of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, Touhid stated that citizens across Bangladesh had actively safeguarded Hindu families and temples in times of distress. However, he criticized sections of the Indian media for amplifying misinformation and exaggerating incidents, which, he argued, distorted the reality on the ground.
Additionally, he expressed disappointment over India’s reluctance to take steps toward reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to ensure sustainable development and stability in South Asia.
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