Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir today said deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported plan to make a public address coinciding with August 5, 2024 ouster of her regime from Indian territory could undermine the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

According to an official statement newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on him at the PMO when the adviser also said any attempt by banned organisations to use Indian territory for political activities targeting Bangladesh could affect the bilateral ties as well.

Kobir said Bangladesh expected India to debar Sheikh Hasina or any individual related to her disbanded party and affiliated organisations from using Indian territory to deliver political statements or carry out activities aimed at creating instability inside Bangladesh.

The statement said the adviser and the envoy also reviewed various aspects of Bangladesh-India relations and discussed issues of mutual interest.

It said Indian High Commissioner assured Kobir that the matter would be given due consideration and that necessary inquiries would be made while New Delhi would remain attentive to the issue.

During the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening and advancing bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect, trust and shared interests.

They also underscored the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and constructive engagement, expressing confidence that mutual trust and discussions would help achieve long-term and sustainable solutions to all outstanding issues.

Ajkaler Khobor/MK