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Published : 05 Feb 2026, 08:34 PM
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has said Bangladesh’s relations with India could become stable again once a new elected government takes office, admitting that ties remained “stalled” during the interim administration’s tenure.
Speaking at his concluding briefing at the foreign ministry on Thursday, Touhid described relations with India as vital for Bangladesh.
He noted that from the outset, the interim government, including Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, had sought “mutual respect and interest‑based cooperation” with the neighbour.
“Successful we cannot say, because in many areas it has stalled. I will not say a crisis has emerged, but the relationship is stuck,” he said.
“I do not want to blame anyone. India has acted according to its interests, and we have tried to protect ours.”
Touhid acknowledged that the two countries’ positions often did not align.
“We must accept that there is a difference in perceptions of interests, which is why we could not move forward in many areas,” he said.
“I hope my successor, and the next government, will see relations become smooth again.”
He admitted setbacks had prevented relations from being stable, but stressed that disputes are natural between countries.
“Issues will remain, conflicts of interest will remain. But a smooth relationship is important, and I hope the next government can make progress in that area.”
Responding to questions on whether relations could improve without the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina or an end to border killings, Touhid urged against pessimism.
“You cannot afford to be pessimistic,” he said. “I remain hopeful that a way will be found to address these issues.”
Asked whether India had conveyed its position on Hasina’s extradition through informal channels, Touhid said Dhaka had not received any official response.
“Officially, we requested her return and received no response. Beyond that, it would not be appropriate to speculate,” he added.
