Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain today (Sept 8) expressed surprise, rather than concern, over Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent remarks urging India’s military to "prepare for war" in light of changes unfolding in Bangladesh.

Speaking to reporters at his office in the capital, Touhid downplayed the likelihood of a conflict between Bangladesh and India but noted that the interim government would examine the context and reasoning behind Singh's comments.

The adviser suggested that the Indian defence chief’s remarks were likely intended to address the internal political landscape in India. He also pointed out that Singh had made unrelated references to the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict in the same speech.

The interim government would make a formal reaction after studying the comments comprehensively.

Asked about Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month, the foreign adviser said the meeting has not been confirmed yet. Yunus is seeking to meet Modi on the sidelines of UN General Assembly meeting in New York, but Delhi is yet to confirm the meeting.

There is a scope for bilateral differences arising over Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India.

Touhid said India has the right to provide political asylum to Hasina, but only after it formally makes a declaration in this regard, the interim government can inquire about such move.

BDST: 1634 HRS, SEP 8, 2024
MSK/SMS