NEW DELHI, Feb 21: During a meeting held in Muscat earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized to Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Touhid Hossain, the necessity for Bangladesh to refrain from normalizing terrorism.
This discussion arose when the Foreign Affairs Advisor from the Interim Government highlighted the topic of SAARC and its potential revival during their conversations on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference.
In response to inquiries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:
“The topic of SAARC was introduced by the Bangladesh delegation during the meeting with the EAM,” he noted.
“It is well known among South Asian nations which country is responsible for hindering SAARC’s progress,” he added, alluding to Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
“The EAM reiterated that it is crucial for Bangladesh not to normalize terrorism,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 of last year, Bangladesh has been strengthening ties with Pakistan. The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Mohammed Younus, has engaged in discussions with high-ranking Pakistani officials and has established trade agreements.
Pakistan is actively seeking to rejuvenate SAARC and is leveraging its improved relations with Dhaka to advance this agenda.
When asked about the anti-India statements made by certain advisors within the Interim Government and their potential effects on bilateral relations, the MEA spokesperson remarked:
“We are indeed aware of such comments, which are certainly unhelpful. It is up to the individuals involved to consider the ramifications of their statements within their respective areas,” he said.
After his discussion with Touhid Hossain, the EAM shared on X:
“Met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. Our dialogue centered on our bilateral relationship as well as BIMSTEC.”
(UNI)
