Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that Bangladesh welcomes the presence of the Indian medical team as a positive gesture and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a cooperative relationship with India based on mutual respect.
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday evening, the adviser said the government has always sought constructive relations with India. “No one from the government has ever said they don’t want good relations with India,” he stated.
He further emphasized, “From the very beginning, our position has been clear, we want a good working relationship with India, based on mutual respect. That stance remains unchanged.”
Touhid Hossain explained that following the recent air crash, several countries expressed willingness to provide assistance, and India was among them. The government consulted the National Burn Institute to determine what kind of support was needed, and India responded accordingly by sending a medical team.
Regarding the presence of the Indian doctors and nurses, he said, “People-to-people contact is always a good thing. This is a form of people-to-people contact. I see it as a positive development.”
When asked whether this could be interpreted as a sign of improving bilateral relations, the adviser responded affirmatively.
Alongside India, China has also dispatched a medical team to assist in treating the burn victims. “Both India and China independently offered support in response to the incident,” he said. “No other countries have come forward, and we don’t need further help at this point. According to the Health Adviser, we have the necessary expertise, and we have already brought everyone together. Treatment for non-burn injuries is also ongoing.”
An Indian medical delegation comprising burn specialists and nurses from Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital, two of India’s top institutions in burn and plastic surgery, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday night. They began treating patients at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Thursday morning.
Their visit follows an assurance of full support from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed condolences over the July 21 aircraft crash and offered all forms of assistance.
Earlier, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka had formally written to the Bangladeshi government, offering to arrange urgent medical support if required.
Following Prime Minister Modi’s message of condolence, the Indian High Commission confirmed on Tuesday that India would provide all necessary assistance. Modi had stated that India stands with Bangladesh and is ready to extend every possible form of help.