Staff Reporter<:/strong>
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir yesterday described the recent India visit of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his as “fruitful”, expressing optimism that positive outcomes, particularly on visa issues, could emerge in the coming weeks.
“If relations between the two countries can be taken in a positive direction, then we will be able to make some good progress. From that perspective, it was a fruitful visit,” he told reporters at the Bangladesh secretariat yesterday.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Kabir met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and briefed him on the outcome of their India visit.
On April 8, they visited India at the invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Kabir said that during the visit they held meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and had discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. “Both meetings were positive,” Kabir said.
The adviser expressed the hope that some positive outcomes of the meetings would be visible in the com-ing weeks. “We have emphasized that medical visas should be reopened as soon as possible. They have taken the matter positively.”
On improving bilateral relations, Humayun Kabir said both sides acknowledged the need for mutual ef-fort.
“We said that to strengthen friendly relations, both sides must move forward equally. Not everything can be resolved in one day. But if both countries have the right mindset, any positive progress is possible,” he said.
Responding to a query, Humayun Kabir said the issue of bringing back deposed Sheikh Hasina was raised during the meetings.
“This issue will always remain under discussion, as it is of interest to the people of Bangladesh. A dicta-tor and terrorist, who is currently taking shelter in India as an international criminal, fled to India after killing around 1,500 people in Bangladesh. We raised this matter and said she has no place in Bangladesh anymore,” he said.
He added that Bangladesh conveyed that Sheikh Hasina should not be allowed to use Indian soil to create any kind of instability. “We have also strongly informed India about bringing her back to face justice. All proceedings will be conducted through a transparent judicial process.”
Responding to another question, he said no final decision has yet been taken regarding the Prime Minis-ter’s first foreign visit.
