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Published : 29 Oct 2025, 02:16 AM
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has said he was surprised that Bangladeshi journalists did not question India’s position on the last three elections held under the Awami League government during their recent meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
The remark came in response to a question at the foreign ministry on Tuesday, which cited Misri’s earlier statement made during his talk with Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) members.
A journalist asked whether India had formally informed Bangladesh about its reported move to review the legal aspects of returning Sheikh Hasina.
Touhid replied that Bangladesh had already followed “all necessary”legal procedures.
“We have done what was required legally. We sought Hasina’s return in line with the court’s directive. India has not responded so far. They can continue examining the legal matters from their side,” he said.
He then went on to express his disappointment over the journalists’ “failure” to question India’s stance on Bangladesh’s previous elections.
“Those who went there, I have one observation,” Touhid said. “Since you raised the issue, I will say this -- otherwise I might not have. The Indian foreign secretary himself gave you an opening to ask a question, but you didn’t.
“The Indian foreign secretary said they wanted inclusive and transparent elections. You were given the chance to ask why they hadn’t said this in the last 15 years. Were the past elections held under this formula of theirs? None of you raised that question.”
“I was quite surprised, especially since many of you are experienced journalists. You should have taken the opportunity -- even if you didn’t want to embarrass him, when he gave you the chance, you should have asked,” he added.
Turning to recent remarks by Brent Christensen, nominated as the next US ambassador to Dhaka, Touhid said Bangladesh maintains a balanced foreign policy.
During a Senate hearing, Christensen had said that if confirmed, he would make clear to Bangladesh the “risks” of its ties with China.
“We have always maintained a balanced relationship with everyone,” Touhid said. “We have a strong partnership with the United States and an economic relationship with China.
“I am confident Bangladesh will continue to maintain this balance.”
Asked if maintaining ties with China should concern other nations, the advisor replied: “I don’t think so, as long as we maintain our balance.”
In his written statement, Christensen said Bangladesh, “often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, does not receive the attention it deserves”.
When asked if he agreed, Touhid said: “If that’s how it is, perhaps it’s for the best. It’s natural for larger, more powerful countries to have greater visibility.
“But in proportion to our economic and political standing, I don’t think Bangladesh lacks visibility. We are visible enough in different international forums,” he added.
