Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Dhaka should not be viewed through the prism of bilateral relations or politics, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said, adding that whether the visit would help ease tensions between the two countries would be clear in the future.
He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Touhid Hossain said representatives from all South Asian countries had attended the program, including the Indian foreign minister.
“His visit was short, but he attended the entire event and then left. It is a good gesture. We should not try to find more meaning than that,” he said, urging against interpreting the visit from an interstate or political perspective.
Asked whether there was any private meeting with Jaishankar, the adviser said there was no scope for a one-on-one discussion.
“There were other foreign guests as well. The Speaker of Pakistan was there, and he also shook hands with him. These are courtesies that everyone observes,” he said.
He added that there was no political discussion during their interaction, as it was brief, public and purely formal, leaving no opportunity to discuss bilateral issues.
When asked whether Jaishankar’s visit would contribute to easing tensions between Bangladesh and India, Touhid Hossain said: “You will have to look for the answer to that in the future.”
Referring to the late BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, the foreign affairs adviser said she enjoyed a positive image not only in Bangladesh but also in neighbouring countries.
“She earned a position of acceptance and respect across party lines, which is recognised throughout South Asia,” he said, adding that it was natural for regional leaders to attend and express condolences on her death.
