Home
+
"We have significantly toughened the language of our protests. We're not going to start a war with them," the foreign advisor says
Published : 10 Sep 2024, 10:44 PM
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has said Bangladesh will strongly protest the killing of teenager Jayanta Kumar Singh, similar to the death of another teen Swarna Das by the Indian Border Security Force, or BSF.
He emphasised that such incidents are having a “negative impact” on the relations between the two countries.
"I haven’t heard anyone say this benefits India in any way," he remarked on Tuesday.
Swarna Das, a 14-year-old Bangladeshi, was killed near the border in Juri Upazila of Moulvibazar, on Sept 1, prompting the foreign ministry to lodge a strong protest with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka .
However, just four days later, Jayanta met the same fate.
On Monday morning, 15-year-old Jayanta was reportedly shot dead by the BSF at the border in Baliadangi Upazila, Thakurgaon.
Police confirmed that the BSF took his body and injured two others, including his father.
Advisor Touhid said a similar strong protest would be lodged regarding Jayanta’s death. “You may have noticed that we have significantly toughened the language of our protests. This is all we can do for now. Since it is a very sensitive issue, we are constantly addressing it, hoping India will take this into account.”
"We are not going to start a war with them. Since this is a highly sensitive issue, we are addressing it constantly. We hope they will take it into consideration."
In the protest letter sent to the Indian High Commission on Thursday, the caretaker government demanded an investigation and justice for all border killings.
When asked about the recurrence of such incidents despite the strong protests, the foreign advisor said, "We have demanded that those responsible be held accountable. We have clearly mentioned this in our notes. We explicitly condemned these actions, and we have made that very clear."
Regarding the incident that occurred on Monday, he added, "We will make a similar protest, and we will raise the issue wherever we get the opportunity. This is having a very negative impact on Bangladesh-India relations, and both countries should work to resolve this."
India often justifies border killings as a result of cross-border crimes, including smuggling, but this time, both victims were minors.
When asked about India's reaction to these incidents, Touhid said, "They haven't made that argument this time. Perhaps they would have, if given the chance."
According to human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra, or ASK, 13 people were killed by BSF gunfire at the border in the first six months of 2024. Among the incidents was the killing of a Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, member, Mohammad Roishuddin, on Jan 22 at the Benapole border.
On Tuesday, amid Bangladesh's strong protests over border killings, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Md Jasim Uddin had his first meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma.
However, when asked about the border deaths, Verma declined to comment.
DHAKA-KARACHI DIRECT FLIGHTS
Touhid said the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Pakistan’s Karachi was discussed on Tuesday.
Citing talks with Pakistan’s High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof, he said. “They are in touch with Biman. I see no problem as these will be commercial flights.”
The advisor was asked whether the interim administration was increasing diplomatic ties with Pakistan as the country lifted visa requirements for Bangladeshis along with citizens from 126 other countries.
He replied, “It's more than diplomatic communication, it's what people can relate to.”
Asked whether initiatives have been taken to improve relations between the two countries after the new government came to power, Touhid said: "We want to have good relations with everyone."
