Amid diplomatic tensions between two neighboring countries, Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain stated that the role played by the Indian media is not conducive to establishing normal relations between the two nations.
He made this remark on Saturday (November 30) during a seminar titled “Bangladesh–India Relations: Expectations, Challenges, and the Future” at North South University.
The advisor said that the way Indian media has been conducting its coverage and propaganda regarding various recent issues and situations in Bangladesh is not helpful in fostering normal relations between the two neighbors. In such a situation, he emphasized that the role of Bangladeshi media should be to highlight the falsehoods of Indian media and present these matters firmly.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh has had some concerns. While previous governments tried to resolve unresolved issues with India, some problems remain unsolved.
Touhid Hossain expressed optimism that India would move forward, understanding the changed circumstances. However, he acknowledged that every relationship faces certain obstacles, which he considers normal.
Regarding border killings, the advisor stated, “Every country has criminals, but you cannot shoot and kill them at the border. India should capture border criminals, hand them over to law enforcement agencies, and ensure justice under the prevailing laws.”
The roundtable discussion featured panelists such as Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, Joint Secretary of the AB Party; former diplomat Sakib Ali; former Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman; Vice-Chancellor of Manarat International University Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rab; and BNP Vice-Chairman Dr. S.M. Asaduzzaman Ripon.
The session was chaired by North South University Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and moderated by Dr. M. Jasim Uddin, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Sociology at North South University.
