Foreign Affairs Adviser: Relations with Pakistan Were Deliberately Kept on Hold

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has stated that during the tenure of the previous government, bilateral relations with Pakistan were intentionally kept on hold.

He emphasized that the current government aims to foster a normal relationship with Pakistan, similar to those with other friendly nations. Speaking at a press conference held on Sunday (August 24) at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Touhid Hossain made these remarks. Earlier, he participated in a bilateral meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who was visiting Dhaka. At the start of the press conference, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said, “Pakistan is one of our most important neighbors in South Asia. Our relationship with Pakistan is historical and multifaceted. In today’s meeting, I and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed our commitment to advancing this relationship for the future. We want to strengthen this relationship based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.” When asked by journalists whether both countries share the same stance on unresolved issues, Touhid Hossain responded, “Both countries have reiterated their respective positions on unresolved issues. I consider it a step forward that both sides have agreed that these issues need to be resolved through discussions so that they do not become obstacles in our relationship.” He further added, “I can assure you that we discussed one issue, which can be considered a small step forward. We presented our positions on three issues. Both sides agreed on one thing: we must resolve these issues to ensure smooth progress in our bilateral relations. For this, we need to move beyond these issues.” The Adviser stressed, “We want a normal relationship with Pakistan, nothing more. From trade and commerce to all other sectors, discussions are necessary. Our relationship is moving forward with this perspective.” Meanwhile, after the bilateral meeting, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted that a tripartite agreement was signed in 1974 regarding the 1971 issue, and former Pakistani Prime Minister Pervez Musharraf expressed regret in 2002. When asked if Bangladesh agrees with this statement, the Adviser responded, “I certainly do not agree. If we agreed, the issue would have been resolved according to their perspective. I said we presented our position, and they presented theirs.”