Staff Reporter:
Dhaka is Optimistic to have a fruitful discussion with Delhi as Bangladesh and India is set to have for-eign secretary-level Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) amid ongoing strained relations between the
neighbors.
“I hope the foreign secretaries will have a productive discussion,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain while addressing a discussion titled “SAARC: People of South Asia Crave for Coopera-tion” at the National Press Club yesterday.
Hossain acknowledged that relations between the two countries have faced changes since August 5, 2024 and emphasized the importance of mutual efforts to navigate the “changed reality”.
He expressed hope that both nations could overcome the recent stalemate through dialogue.
“We expect to overcome this impasse. Mutual communication and regular engagement are crucial to re-solving any deadlock,” Hossain said.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Monday for the FOC where he will meet his Bangladeshi counterpart Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin.
The two sides are set to discuss key issues including trade, visas, connectivity, border killings, water-sharing, and other matters of mutual concern.
The foreign adviser highlighted the recent slowdown in bilateral trade, noting that traders in both coun-tries, including those in Kolkata, have felt the impact.
“We hope the standoff will be resolved soon,” Hossain added, stressing the need for dialogue based on reciprocity.
Earlier while interacting with the media last week, Touhid said, “It is very clear that we want a good relationship (with India).”
However, the foreign adviser emphasized that relations between Bangladesh and India must be built on a reciprocal basis. “Both sides need to want that and should work for it,” he added.
On Thursday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam stated that preparations for the high-level consultations had been coordinated through an inter-ministerial meeting.
Alam noted that the agenda might include a range of bilateral issues, including trade and regional con-nectivity, while also addressing speculation about the possible extradition of ousted former Prime Minis-ter Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August.
The Foreign Ministry’s earlier briefing suggested that the matter could come up during discussions.
The upcoming consultations are expected to underscore the commitment of both nations to strengthen ties despite current challenges.
