Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday acknowledged that the relations between Bangladesh and India have not been 'very smooth’ and to some extent stalled facing some setbacks, during the tenure of the interim government.

He however expressed optimism that the next elected government would be able to address these challenges and make the relationship smoother.

From the outset, Hossain said, the interim government laid emphasis on maintaining a ‘good working relationship’ with India and did not want to blame anyone for the issues they faced.

“I do not want to blame anyone. India has certainly acted in the way it considers best for its interests. We have also tried to act in a way that protects our interests. In many cases, the expectations of the two sides did not match," he told reporters during a views-exchange meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the afternoon.

Hossain said there is a difference in how the two sides perceive their own interests, which is why they could not move forward in many areas.

Dhaka-Delhi relations, which were described as having witnessed 'a golden chapter' during the previous regime, remained tense throughout the tenure of the outgoing interim government, with several issues preventing ties from returning to a normal and smooth footing.

The strain persisted until the final phase of the interim administration, when even sports-related issues became entangled in the broader diplomatic unease.

Expressing optimism that the next elected government would be able to move the relationship forward, Hossain at the farewell interaction said the government succeeding the interim administration would find ways to overcome the kind of deadlock and make relations smoother.

“I would hope that during the tenure of my successor and the government that succeeds this interim government, a smooth relationship will once again be established,” he said.

Hossain said there are issues and conflicts of interest that exist in relations with any country.

“Still, a smooth relationship is important. During our time, the relationship was not very smooth. I accept that because there were several setbacks,” he said.

Responding to a question about how relations would be affected by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina staying in India, Hossain said, “You cannot be pessimistic. You have to be optimistic. I am optimistic that a way will definitely be found and that solutions to these problems can be reached.”

Asked about India’s attitude towards Dhaka’s request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, he said that attitude is an abstract matter and should not be speculated upon.

“What has been done officially can be said. We have asked for her return. We have not received a response. It would not be right for us to speculate beyond that,” he said.

Hossain reiterated that the interim government consistently sought good working relations with India.

“I can say this much from my side and from the position of the person above me, the Chief Adviser, or the government - there has been no conflict in intent. On the basis of reciprocity and mutual understanding, we genuinely wanted a good working relationship with India. We have always wanted this,” he said.

Regarding relations not reaching the expected level, Hossain said, “I cannot say for sure that we have succeeded. In many cases, relations are at a standstill. I would not say a major crisis has emerged, but the relationship has to some extent stalled.”

Responding to another question, the Adviser said the interim government is not leaving burdens for the next elected government.

Rather, he said, it is working to move issues forward and make things easier for the incoming administration.

He cited a likely tariff deal with the United States as an example.

Hossain also said some agreements being signed had been under negotiation for a long time.

Hossain condemned the attacks on media houses The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, saying such incidents were unacceptable.

“Such attacks are not acceptable. We condemn them,” he said, acknowledging that the government was unable to prevent the incidents.

Attacks on media houses not acceptable: Adviser Hossain

However, he said the Home Ministry would be better placed to comment further on the matter.

Hossain said after the formation of the interim government, the media had been able to speak freely.

When asked about mob violence and the attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo late on December 18, he said it would be appropriate to raise the issue with the Home Ministry.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing.