Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain says he has no information about Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh and has received no positive signal from India regarding the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina.
He spoke to reporters at the Rangpur Circuit House on Friday at around 10:30am.
Responding to questions, Touhid Hossain said he has no updates on Tarique Rahman. He also clarified that Begum Zia was not travelling to London on the day, as a technical issue had delayed the flight by a day.
“We will inform everyone when these matters move forward,” he said.
On the possibility of Sheikh Hasina’s return, the adviser said the government had made a formal request. “She is a convicted individual, and the highest court has given its verdict. We asked for her return, but India has not given any positive response. These matters do not move in a day or two. We will wait and see how Indian authorities respond. We know they are examining the request,” he said.
On the incident involving Bangladeshi fishermen taken by the Arakan Army, Touhid Hossain said Dhaka cannot hold direct talks with the group.
“They are not a state entity. We can speak to Myanmar, India or Thailand, but not to a non-state force. Still, we have taken steps to reduce such incidents,” he said.
Regarding reforms, the adviser said the government has already begun the process. “Many expected extensive reforms immediately, but meaningful reforms take time. We have started. Whoever comes to power next should continue the work. They should focus on development across all regions, not only in selected areas,” he said.
Touhid Hossain arrived in Rangpur on Thursday evening. He will inspect several facilities in the division on Friday.
On Saturday morning, he will attend an exchange-of-views meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office and visit Rangpur Cadet College in the afternoon.
On Sunday, he will speak at a discussion event at Magura High School field in Nilphamari before returning to Dhaka in the evening.
