Foreign Adviser
No discussion regarding CA’s China visit, says Foreign Adviser after his bilateral tour
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said there was no discussion regarding Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ China visit during his recent bilateral visit to China, stressing that Dhaka is not in a hurry on that.
“To tell you the truth, there was no discussion about it because we’re not in a hurry,” he said when a reporter drew his attention regarding media reports on the Chief Adviser’s visit to China.
The Adviser, who paid a bilateral visit to China recently, talked to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dhaka, Beijing "must cooperate wholeheartedly" to resolve Rohingya crisis: Foreign Adviser tells Shanghai Seminar
He said Kunming, China, may be an alternative to India for medical treatment where medical expenses and travel costs there are comparatively low.
Praising Bangladesh’s good track record in loan repayment, China on Tuesday "agreed in principle" to extend the loan repayment period and assured to look into the request of the interest rate reduction.
Foreign Adviser Hossain, during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday, requested China to reduce interest rate from 2-3% to 1%, waive commitment fee and extend loan repayment period from 20 years to 30 years for both the Preferential Buyer’s Credit (PBC) loan and Government Concessional Loan (GCL).
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The Chinese Foreign Minister also assured to continue DFQF access of Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market for 3 years after the LDC graduation.
2 weeks ago
Dhaka, Beijing "must cooperate wholeheartedly" to resolve Rohingya crisis: Foreign Adviser tells Shanghai Seminar
Reflecting on global challenges, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said peace and security are collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women.
Hossain made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at a seminar in the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), China.
The seminar titled "Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity" reflected on the common vision of Bangladesh and China for a secure and better world.
Referring to the Rohingya crisis, Adviser Hossain stressed on creating a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine State for return of the Rohingyas.
“Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution," he said.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Chen Dongxiao, president of SIIS, who highlighted the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He expressed optimism about the event’s contribution to enhancing academic and research collaborations between China and Bangladesh, and the role of the two countries to furthering global peace and stability.
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In his address, Adviser Hossain outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasising the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability.
He highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which dates back to ancient times and the evolution of relationship into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms including the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI).
Hossain underscored the transformative role of China's development assistances and investments in Bangladesh’s various sectors which have significantly contributed to the country’s socio-economic development.
He also drew attention to the importance of narrowing trade gaps and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth.
Hossain highlighted Bangladesh’s successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programmes, pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh Government, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony, and called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.
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In order to realize the shared vision, Hossain underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people to people exchange and championing global trade system.
The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including scholars, diplomats, government officials, young researchers, media representatives, senior leadership and experts of SIIS, and officials from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office.
The programme featured speeches from key participants, including remarks by Dr. Yang Jiemian, Director of the Academic Advisory Board at SIIS, and presentations by six renowned experts.
These experts shared insights on topics ranging from economic globalisation to regional stability, triggering rich discussions during the interactive session that followed.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam and the President of SIIS.
Adviser Hossain also visited a high-tech electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the outskirt of Shanghai where he witnessed the production line of electric vehicles.
The plant produces around 500 EV units a day. He urged the Chinese company to consider establishing such a plant in Bangladesh.
Acting Mayor of Shanghai also met the foreign adviser.
During the meeting, both of them underscored the need for enhanced business-to-business and people- to-people engagements between Dhaka and Shanghai.
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The acting mayor extended invitation to Bangladesh to participate at the “Shanghai Tourism Festival” to be held this year.
Hossain conveyed Bangladesh’s interest in participating the festival.
The meeting ended with a lunch hosted by the acting mayor in honor of the adviser and his delegation.
Hossain also exchanged views with a delegation from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce yesterday evening.
During the discussion, they focused on relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, particularly to the Chinese SEZ in Chattogram, establishing air connectivity between Chattogram and Shanghai, and exchange and collaboration between the two Chambers.
2 weeks ago
Bangladesh's ties with major powers not govt-specific: Foreign Adviser
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that Bangladesh's ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump's presidency.
"We have nothing to speculate," he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States.
When the new administration in the US will assume office, Hossain said, “There might be some remarks, which we will look into accordingly.”
Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period: Touhid Hossain
"Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country.
He said Bangladesh will maintain good relations with these three countries protecting Dhaka's interests.
President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting Day One of the new White House, in what amounts to a shock-and-awe campaign on border security, deportations and a rush of other policy priorities, according to an AP report.
Trump told Republican senators about the onslaught ahead during a private meeting on Capitol Hill.
Many of the actions are expected to launch on Inauguration Day, Jan 20, when he takes office.
Trump top adviser Stephen Miller outlined for the GOP senators the border security and immigration enforcement measures that are likely to launch soonest.
In November last year, Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain said the interim government does not foresee any major change in its relations with the United States.
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“It wouldn’t be right to think that there will be any big change in our relationship with the Trump Administration,” he told the journalists while responding to a question on the specific issue of Trump’s return to the White House.
The foreign affairs adviser said the relations between the two countries are not based on any particular party, but of the two states, he said.
The Biden Administration has been providing full-fledged support for the current interim government of Bangladesh and the reform process.
Hossain said they will observe for the first two-three months. “Then we will see what steps the Trump Administration takes. Based on that, we’ll work with the US," he said in November.
Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development.
“I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024.
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Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America.
“I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser.
He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.
3 weeks ago
Bangladesh Foreign Adviser’s 1st China trip very important: Spokesperson
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will pay a bilateral visit to China on January 20-24 which is described as “very important first bilateral visit” after the formation of the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus in August last year.
“This visit is a great opportunity to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters at a weekly media briefing on Thursday.
The progress of ongoing cooperation in areas such as increasing economic cooperation and expanding trade and investment will be reviewed during the visit in order to formulate the future outline of the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, Alam said.
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The visit will also focus on cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education, infrastructure, renewable energy and a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, he said.
During this visit, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Adviser Hossain will discuss various issues of mutual interest with his Chinese counterpart.
Bangladesh and China are going to celebrate the golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations in 2025. To this end, both countries have taken various programs.
“This visit will be an auspicious start to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” Spokesperson Alam said.
Alam said China is a notable strategic partner of Bangladesh, one of the largest commercial and important development partners.
He said the relations between Bangladesh and China are multidimensional and the bilateral relations with China, at this moment, have been upgraded to the “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership”.
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The annual trade volume between Bangladesh and China is about US$ 25 billion, although this trade balance is not favorable to Bangladesh.
It is expected that this visit will discuss the restructuring of the trade balance as well as increasing Chinese investment in various sectors in Bangladesh, said the Spokesperson.
For the better treatment of students and the general public injured in the Anti-Discrimination Movement that took place last July, China first sent a high-level medical delegation of 10 members from the ‘National Health Commission of China’.
They visited various hospitals and provided medical assistance, and assured to establish a specialised hospital and rehabilitation center for the better treatment of students and the general public injured in the Anti-Discrimination Movement.
Bangladesh will be interested in discussing this matter, said the Spokesperson.
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He said the Foreign Adviser is expected to deliver a speech at the “China Institute of International Studies” and the “Shanghai Institute of International Studies”.
Besides, Alam said, the Adviser will hold a meeting with business representatives from Shanghai, China to increase Chinese investment in Bangladesh.
1 month ago
Peace in CHT crucial for Bangladesh, region: Speakers
Speakers at a book launching event on Monday called for collective efforts from local communities, government and the international partners to ensure a lasting peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), stressing that it is crucial not just for Bangladesh but for the security of the entire region.
They acknowledged that peace has not been achieved yet even after 27 years of the signing of the CHT Accord and called for addressing the challenges through collective efforts.
The unveiling ceremony of the book titled "Regional Security and CHT Peace Accord 1997: An Unfinished Peace Building Model of Bangladesh" written by Brig Gen (retd) Md Nasimul Gani, was held at Foreign Service Academy.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke as the chief guest while Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Defense & National Integration Development Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Hafiz as a special guest.
Writer and public intellectual Prof Salimullah Khan also spoke, among others, at the launching ceremony.
Adviser Hossain stressed the need for developing the basic respect and understanding to prevent small issues from snowballing into major conflicts and establish peace in the CHT.
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“If we can establish basic respect and understanding there, I think, small issues will not be there in the major conflicts,” he said.
Focusing on taking the right steps to get back peace in this land, the Adviser said they have to respect distinct groups also with distinct cultures, equal rights and equal respect.
Hossain, however, thought that the solution (to mistrust) is not easy particularly after so many years of living side by side with suspicion. “We lived side by side with suspicion for a long period. Initially it was not there but it grew overnight,” he said.
He put emphasis on taking the right steps to establish peace in this land. “We need to respect their cultures. It’s a diversity we have. We have to accept that (this diversity),” he added.
“I think we need to develop a culture in which we respect each other; we take care of each other,” he said, adding that the governing authorities must ensure it.
1 month ago
Dhaka-Delhi Ties: The wind blows towards a positive change
After a period of growing tensions in a changed political scenario since August 5, Bangladesh and India are increasingly demonstrating their willingness to recognise the value of fostering stability, mutual trust, and cooperation in addressing shared challenges for greater prosperity on both sides.
The winds of positive change in Dhaka-Delhi relations indicate a promising turn for the two South Asian neighbours though many feared that the relations would only deteriorate further with a growing anti-India sentiment.
Recent diplomatic exchanges including the foreign secretary-level meeting have shown a commitment to sewing ties and addressing areas of discord.
On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue.
There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues.
"I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser.
Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser
Bangladesh is expecting a reply from India regarding its request for Hasina’s extradition and was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi. India has refrained from commenting further on Hasina's extradition request.
"You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs on January 3.
Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Bangladesh on December 9, reiterated India's willingness to build a “positive and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual trust, respect and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests.
He also emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in Bangladesh-India relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh including in areas of trade, connectivity and other capacity building areas are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.
“So, that has been our approach. There are several developments that are happening. There are developments happening on a daily basis, but our generic approach to Bangladesh is what I told you. We would like to foster these ties,” said MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal on January 3.
India’s approach is to foster ties with Bangladesh was made very clear during the Indian foreign secretary's visit to Dhaka, where he highlighted India's support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh.
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On December 31, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma welcomed Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the High Commission when Dr Yunus went there to pay tributes to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently.
New Delhi's reaction was rather soft when on January 2 a Chattogram court rejected the bail prayer of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case.
It simply voiced expectation that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial and the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh will ensure that. “This is our expectation,” says MEA Spokesperson on January 3.
Meanwhile, the reciprocal repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen or crew detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen or crew detained in India began on Thursday. The process is expected to be completed on January 5.
After the handing over on January 5 at the International Maritime Border, the Bangladeshi fishermen or crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram in the afternoon of January 6.
Essential commodities are coming from India to Bangladesh. In December, 2024, a consignment of 24, 690 metric tonnes (MT) of parboiled rice arrived at Chattogram Port from India. It was the first batch of rice imports from India since Yunus-led interim government assumed office.
1 month ago
Bangladesh, India to exchange detained fishermen Sunday: Foreign Adviser
The reciprocal repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen/crew detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen or crew detained in India began on Thursday.
The process is expected to be completed on January 5.
After the handing over on January 5 at the International Maritime Border, the Bangladeshi fishermen or crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram in the afternoon of January 6.
“If everything (formalities) goes as per schedule, the exchanges will take place on Sunday,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters while visiting the recently renovated DCAB (Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh) Lounge at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam, outgoing DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib, newly elected President AKM Moinuddin, and DCAB members were present.
Bangladesh Coast Guard has initiated the process of handing over 95 Indian fishermen/crew members to the Indian Coast Guard and receiving 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew members.
Furthermore, two Bangladeshi fishing vessels detained in India and six Indian fishing boats detained in Bangladesh will also be exchanged between the two Coast Guards.
This repatriation process is being facilitated through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Police, local administration, and other relevant agencies.
Bangladeshi authorities detained a total of 95 Indian fishermen and six fishing boats inside Bangladesh Waters during October and November 2024.
On Thursday, the 95 Indian fishermen/crew members, who were held in Bagerhat and Patuakhali District Jails, were released.
On the other hand, near the international maritime boundary, a total of 78 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew aboard two fishing vessels, FV Laila-2 and FV Meghna-5 were detained by Indian authorities on December 9, 2024.
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Twelve Bangladeshi fishermen/crew members who were detained by Indian authorities on September 12, 2024, after their fishing boat FB Kaushik sank due to adverse weather conditions, have already been released from jails.
The 78 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew members are held in Paradeep, Odisha, India under the supervision of Indian Coast Guard while 12 Bangladeshi fishermen are held in Kakdwip, West Bengal, India.
At the Lounge visit ceremony, the Foreign Adviser highlighted the role of media in doing responsible journalism while covering various foreign affairs issues.
The Foreign Adviser and Foreign Secretary congratulated the newly elected DCAB Executive Committee members while outgoing President Hasib thanked the MoFA for their support.
1 month ago
Bangladesh needs to maintain good ties with India, China, US: Foreign Adviser
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said Bangladesh needs to “maintain a kind a balance” in pursuing its foreign relations with big countries like India, China and the United States, mentioning that Bangladesh is not a major player in the global arena.
“Bangladesh has an interest in every country. It’s an important issue that we need to keep in mind,” he said while speaking at a national dialogue organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institute Bangladesh.
The Adviser referred to the trade relations between India and China despite a conflict; and also India’s kind of friendly relations with the United States; and stressed that it is important for Bangladesh to maintain good relations with all these three countries.
Pointing at the dialogue theme – Unity, Reforms and Elections - Hossain said unity was the most important thing. Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 against Pakistan as the people of the country demonstrated unity, he said.
Apparently referring to 1971 war criminals, Hossain, however, said there is lacking in any unity but the people of the country remained united “by and large” during the War of Liberation in 1971.
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He also said the people of the country united in favour of the students during the July-August movement which created an opportunity for the country to have a free environment.
Talking about the responsibility of the political parties to have stronger democracy, Hossain said it is the responsibility of the people to observe and act if the political parties deviate from their key values.
“If a democratic society can be established, mass people’s interests will get priority,” he said.
Hossain hoped that the elected government will meet people’s expectations running the country in a united way.
The Foreign Adviser also talked about the Rohingya crisis and the government’s efforts to deal with the situation.
Turning to the six-nation consultation recently held in Bangkok under the chairmanship of the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Hossain said he told the meeting that Bangladesh’s interests need to be looked at.
He said they are not expecting that Bangladesh will be able to send back anyone (Rohingya) anytime soon but if peace is restored they must be repatriated.
There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh.
Referring to his meeting in Bangkok, the Foreign Adviser said, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Bangladesh can go back to their homes with security and rights."
It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, he said, “I had the scope to talk in detail as it was an informal discussion and I explained our position clearly,” Hossain said.
Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser
At the inaugural session on Friday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus highlighted the critical role of unity, reforms and elections in Bangladesh's progress, saying that neither reforms without unity nor elections without reforms can propel the country forward.
“None of these three goals can be achieved alone,” he said, describing the correlation among them.
In a recorded speech delivered at a national dialogue’s inaugural session in the capital, Dr Yunus thanked the Forum for Bangladesh Studies (FBS) for giving three things - unity, reform and elections’ importance in the dialogue, noting that they need consensus on reforms.
The Chief Adviser thinks the minimum age for becoming eligible for a voter should be 17 years. “Young people are interested in the future of the country. To get their opinion about their own future, I think the voting age should be fixed at 17 years,” he said.
1 month ago
Bangladesh had to accept huge Rohingyas under certain circumstances: Touhid Hossain
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Bangladesh had to accept over 60,000 Rohingyas under certain circumstances through various unofficial channels, including border-related corruptions, despite its decision in principle not to allow any new arrival from Myanmar.
“We had a position in principle that no new arrival one will be allowed. No one was allowed formally. Another thing we need to keep in mind that there is huge corruption in the border. And it is true,” he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his recent informal consultation at the ministerial level among Myanmar and its five neighbouring countries.
The six-nation consultation was held in Bangkok on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Than Swe.
Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser
Responding to a question, Hossain said the Rohingyas are not entering Bangladesh through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop.
Asked about a potential new influx of Rohingya refugees, he dismissed such possibility. "I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," Hossain said.
Meanwhile, speaking at a seminar on Sunday morning, Adviser Hossain said they are aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7 plus years.
There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, he said.
Referring to his meeting in Bangkok, the Foreign Adviser said, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights."
It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, he said. “I had the scope to talk in details as it was an informal discussion and I explained our position clearly,” Hossain told reporters at the foreign ministry.
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“If Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace and stability that you are thinking of will never be achieved,” he said, while conveying Bangladesh’s position during the meeting in Bangkok.
Hossain also said if the Rohingyas, mostly young people, cannot be given a hope and if no light is seen at the end of the tunnel, they will become desperate and they will do desperate activities. “I made it clear to them.”
The Foreign Adviser said offenders are on the both sides of the border and in the Rohoingya camps and they made huge money through illegal activities. If these issues are not addressed, peace cannot be achieved, he said.
Hossain informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under their control; rather it is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. “As a state, we cannot engage with a non-state actor. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine."
In Bangkok, Hossain reiterated the call for a "comprehensive roadmap" for Rohingya repatriation with priority attached to ensuring stability in Rakhine State.
Dhaka seeks ‘comprehensive roadmap’ for Rohingya repatriation
He urged ASEAN and other key regional actors to play a further proactive role in restoring peace, security, and democracy in Myanmar.
“Bangladesh has every interest to see lasting peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar, and a conducive environment in Rakhine State for the Rohingya to have confidence to go back there in safety and dignity," Hossain affirmed.
1 month ago
Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser
Stressing that peace and harmony among littoral states are crucial to unlocking the Bay of Bengal's potential, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasised on Sunday that Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
"By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing a unified vision and adopting innovative approaches, we can unlock the vast potential of this region, benefiting all stakeholders and creating a legacy of prosperity for future generations," Adviser Hossain said while speaking at a seminar in the capital.
He laid emphasis on their collective task to align diverse interests, ensuring that the Bay of Bengal becomes a region of collaboration rather than conflict; a hub of connectivity rather than contention; and a model for sustainable and inclusive development.
Supported by the Embassy of Japan, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) hosted the international seminar on "Reconnecting the Bay of Bengal Region: Exploring the Convergence of Interests" at the BIISS auditorium.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori spoke at the seminar as the special guest. The working sessions were chaired by Tarik A Karim, Chairperson of the Bay of Bengal Institute, Cosmos Foundation; and Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Other speakers included Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman of BIISS, and Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS.
With its strategic location and growing industrial base, the Adviser said Bangladesh is uniquely poised to become a regional transit hub and a key player in the global value chain. In order to unlock these possibilities, Bangladesh must address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities, he said.
As Bangladesh approaches its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026, Adviser Hossain said, it stands at a critical juncture, facing both significant opportunities and complex challenges.
The impending loss of preferential trade benefits and concessional financing necessitates a shift towards more competitive and innovative economic strategies.
"To address these challenges effectively, Bangladesh must prioritise diversifying its trade portfolio, elevating the quality and value of its exports, and investing in advanced technologies to drive productivity and economic growth," Hossain said.
Partnerships with regional and extra-regional stakeholders, particularly Japan, can provide the technological and financial support needed for Bangladesh to overcome these hardships, he said.
Japan’s expertise in areas such as renewable energy, digital trade, and maritime logistics can play a transformative role in this context, said the Adviser, adding that the Bay of Bengal is not only an economic resource but also an ecological treasure.
1 month ago