Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain Monday said that Sheikh Hasina’s extended stay in Delhi will not negatively impact the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. “Bilateral relations is an important issue … it’s built on mutual interest,” he said. When asked by a journalist if Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged stay in India might affect ties between the two neighboring countries.

Hossain made these comments while speaking to reporters after briefing diplomats, including Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, at the state in Dhaka. Hossain pointed out that India has its interests in Bangladesh, just as Dhaka has its interests in Delhi. “We will pursue our interests, and our efforts to maintain good relations with India will continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (Retired) M Sakhawat Hossain on Monday urged the political parties to take steps to prevent scattered violence including incidents like attack on minority communities. The Home Affairs advisor said that the Awami League that lost power in a popular uprising should reorganise instead of “stirring up trouble”.

He said to Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina through media, “Stay well and come back. We all respect you. But causing chaos will not benefit anyone. It will only further anger people.” He also said: “Awami League is a major political party. It has many capable leaders; I can name them right now.”

He further said, “The Awami League party that led our independence should not fall apart like this. Those hiding now should come forward and reorganise. No one has banned your party.”

“Reorganise the party with new faces and fresh commitments, through the political act,” he added.

By Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)