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Dhaka: Amidst violence, killings of Hindus, arson, and unrest in Bangladesh, the rise of anti-India forces is being observed. Meanwhile, Salehuddin Ahmed, the finance advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, has made a significant statement. Ahmed said that Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus is actively working to improve strained relations with India. His administration is focusing on developing strong economic ties with India, separating economic interests from political rhetoric.
‘Yunus is working on it’
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement, he said, “The Chief Advisor is working towards improving diplomatic relations with India. He has also discussed this with several relevant parties.” When asked if Yunus had spoken directly with Indian officials, Ahmed clarified that this had not happened, but he had contacted people involved in the issue.
‘Trade policy not influenced by political considerations’
Ahmed said, “Our trade policy is not influenced by political considerations. If importing rice from India is cheaper than from Vietnam or other places, then it would be economically prudent to buy from India.” Ahmed emphasized that Bangladesh had approved a proposal to buy 50,000 tons of rice from India on Tuesday, which he described as “a step towards building good relations.” He said that this import would be beneficial for Bangladesh, as buying rice from Vietnam (a major alternative) would cost about 10 taka (approximately US$0.082) more per kilogram.
‘The situation is not that bad’
The statement from the finance advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government comes at a time when political analysts believe that relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have reached their lowest point since Bangladesh’s separation from Pakistan in 1971. Ambassadors in both countries are being summoned repeatedly, and protests are taking place in both capitals and other locations. However, Salehuddin Ahmed did not describe the situation as that serious. He said, “From the outside, it may seem like a lot is happening, but the situation is not that bad.”
‘We don’t want bitterness between the two countries’
Ahmed acknowledged that some statements are difficult to ignore, but they do not represent the national sentiment and are instead creating complicated situations for Bangladesh. Regarding the possibility of external forces instigating anti-India sentiments, he said, “We do not want any kind of bitterness between the two countries. If any external power is trying to create problems, it is not in the interest of either country.” Ahmed reiterated that the interim government intends to maintain cordial relations between the two neighbors and that economic decisions will be based entirely on national interest.
