Dhaka surprised by Indian Defence Minister’s remarks: Foreign Adviser

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today expressed surprise rather than concern over the recent remarks of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, emphasizing that he does not foresee any immediate threat of conflict between the two neighboring countries.

“I am more surprised than concerned. I don’t understand why he (Singh) made such remarks… I don’t find any reason behind that,” he told reporters at the foreign ministry here when asked for his comments about Singh’s remarks.

Singh had recently urged India’s armed forces to be prepared for potential future conflicts, referencing to global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, while also mentioning the situation in Bangladesh.

He made the comments during the first joint commanders’ conference of the Indian Armed Forces in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, last Thursday, where he advised senior military officials to analyze those global events.

Hossain assumed that such remarks might have been made for a domestic audience.

“We need to consider whether his statements were meant for internal consumption in India. In no way I do believe there is any apprehension of war between Bangladesh and India,” he said.

Asked if Singh’s statements posed a threat to Bangladesh, Hossain refrained from making any assumptions.

However, he said, “We will certainly monitor the situation to understand what is happening and why.”

Describing Singh’s remarks as evasive, Hossain said, “I see no reason for India’s military preparations in connection to the war in Ukraine. The mention of Hamas also seems unrelated, and I don’t understand how these issues compare with Bangladesh.”

On the topic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s potential political asylum, Hossain noted that any country has the right to grant asylum.

“We will observe the situation if it arises,” he said. (BSS)