DHAKA : Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir today 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 secretariat here.
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 coming 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 effort.
“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 dictator 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 Minister’s first foreign visit.
“The Prime Minister intends to project his foreign policy framework through SAARC countries. Our government wants to strengthen regional cooperation through this framework. Naturally, a visit within the region, including India, may take place, but nothing has been finalized yet. It is under consideration,” he said.
Referring to the killing of July activist Sharif Osman Hadi, he said the issue was also discussed. “The killers have been arrested. Through legal procedures, it is possible to bring them back to the country.”
When asked about discussions on energy cooperation, he said Bangladesh has received some support from India. “We thanked India for their cooperation in the energy sector. They have assured us of further assistance where needed. However, there were no detailed discussions on this issue.”
Highlighting the importance of public mandate, the adviser said the current government has strong legitimacy.
“Previous governments did not have the people’s mandate. The new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been formed based on the support of two-thirds of the people. Therefore, Alhamdulillah, we have strong confidence. We can speak firmly, and that is important,” he added.
