Yunus, 84, made significant remarks during a recent meeting with students who had been actively involved in the student-led revolution that resulted in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last month. As the interim Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Yunus underscored the importance of nurturing a positive relationship with neighboring India, emphasizing that such relations must be founded on principles of equity and fairness.
The interim government, under Yunus's leadership, was appointed following Hasina's resignation and her subsequent departure to India on August 5. This resignation occurred amidst unprecedented anti-government protests led by students over a contentious quota system for government jobs, which had ignited widespread public dissatisfaction.
Yunus's comments reflect a broader diplomatic stance that seeks to balance Bangladesh’s international relations with a commitment to mutual respect and fairness. He also highlighted the need for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), aiming to bolster regional cooperation and address shared challenges among South Asian countries. The SAARC, once a promising platform for regional dialogue and collaboration, has faced difficulties in recent years and Yunus's call for its revival signals a desire for renewed regional engagement.
In a related development, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain responded to remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, expressing surprise and confusion. Singh had recently addressed a joint commanders conference in Lucknow, where he urged the military to analyze global conflicts, including the situations in Ukraine and Gaza, and to assess the current situation in Bangladesh to prepare for any future issues. Hossain's reaction indicated that he did not fully understand the rationale behind Singh's comments and reassured that he did not foresee an imminent threat of conflict between Bangladesh and India.
Hossain’s remarks and Yunus’s emphasis on equitable relations and regional cooperation highlight Bangladesh’s current diplomatic priorities. The interim government is focused on maintaining stability and fostering constructive relationships with its neighbors amidst a period of significant political transition.
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