Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir has described the recent visit to India as “fruitful,” stating that a positive mindset between the two nations will facilitate significant progress in bilateral relations.
The adviser made the remarks on Monday afternoon at the Secretariat after he and Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman briefed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on their trip to New Delhi. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman had visited India on 8 April at the invitation of S Jaishankar.
Kabir noted that meetings were held with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, both of which were positive.
“We prioritised the immediate opening of medical and business visas, and they received this positively,” he said, adding that positive gestures are expected in the coming weeks.
Addressing the issue of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, Kabir confirmed that her presence in India was raised as a matter of public interest. He referred to her as a “dictator” and an “international terrorist” who fled to India after the killing of 1,500 people in Bangladesh.
The adviser stressed that she has no further place in Bangladesh and that India has been requested to ensure she cannot use their soil to incite chaos.
The government intends to bring her back to face the legal system through a transparent judicial process. “It has been discussed… one case has been adjudicated, while several others involving murder and looting remain pending,” Kabir stated.
The murder of July warrior Hadi was also raised during the discussions. Kabir mentioned that the killers have been apprehended and that it is possible to bring them back to Bangladesh via treaty through the legal process.
Regarding regional cooperation, Kabir said while the prime minister’s first foreign visit has not been finalised, it is under consideration to be within the SAARC framework to strengthen regional leadership.
On the energy sector, Kabir thanked India for existing cooperation via pipelines and noted that India had assured further support where needed, though detailed discussions are yet to take place.
Highlighting legitimacy of the administration, Kabir stated that unlike previous governments, the one led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was formed with a two-thirds mandate from the people.
He noted that this mandate, alongside the mandate of the government previously led by Muhammad Yunus, provides the necessary confidence and strength for international diplomacy.
“If you do not have the mandate of the people, you are always weak. Alhamdullilah, we can speak with confidence,” he added.
