He noted that the absence of Indian contractors could be attributed to safety concerns during recent unrest. “We acknowledge that law and order issues occurred, but the situation is now under control,” Hossain said, expressing hope that the contractors would return soon.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Towhid Hossain announced on Sunday that the current government plans to review the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with India during the previous administration. Speaking to reporters at his ministry, Hossain explained that such reviews are standard practice, as MoUs are not legally binding and are typically assessed before final agreements are made.
“We will review the MoUs to ensure they align with our national interests,” Hossain said. He was responding to inquiries about the MoU concerning Rail Transit with India.
“MoUs are not binding and are usually reviewed before final agreements are signed. So, we will review the MoUs to assess whether the country’s interest was served in those MoUs,” the adviser said on Sunday while talking to reporters at his ministry.
Regarding questions about the potential repatriation of Sheikh Hasina from India, Hossain stated, “If the court directs us to facilitate her return, we will make every effort to arrange it. However, the decision to repatriate rests with India, which follows its own legal processes despite the existing extradition treaty.”
Positive remarks
On the issue of Hasina’s status in India, Hossain suggested contacting the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka for updates, given that her Bangladeshi passport has been invalidated.
The adviser also addressed concerns about the absence of Indian contractors involved in Line of Credit (LoC) projects. He noted that their absence might be attributed to safety concerns during recent unrest. “We acknowledge that law and order issues occurred, but the situation is now under control,” Hossain said, expressing hope that the contractors would return soon.
Hossain described Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jayshankar’s recent remarks as ‘positive,’ noting that Jayshankar had affirmed India’s commitment to working with the new Bangladeshi government.
In a related development, the adviser confirmed that the Chief Adviser’s upcoming visit to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will be brief and limited to New York, deviating from the usual practice of including Washington in the tour.
Finally, Hossain addressed the Rohingya repatriation discussions, stating that talks with Myanmar are currently infeasible due to the ongoing civil conflict in the country.
