‘India Ties Matter To Us’: Bangladesh Finance Adviser Says Yunus Pushing For Better Relations

Dhaka: Salehuddin Ahmed, Finance Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, says that despite the current tension, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is taking deliberate steps towards improving relations with India. His focus is clear. Politics has its place, but it is important to look at the country's economy separately from it.

Is Bangladesh's trade policy not influenced by politics?

Ahmed clearly said that Bangladesh takes trade decisions based on pros and cons and not on political rhetoric. If rice is cheap from India and expensive from Vietnam or any other country, then it would be wise to buy from India. Due to this thinking, a decision has been taken to purchase 50 thousand tons of rice from India.

Is Yunus himself talking to India?

On this question, Ahmed said that Yunus is not directly at the negotiating table, but he is keeping an eye on the entire matter. He is in touch with all the people associated with this issue, and every step is being taken after careful consideration.

What phase are India-Bangladesh relations going through at present?

Experts believe that relations between India and Bangladesh are in the most tense phase since 1971. Envoys of each other are being summoned in both the countries, and protests are taking place outside the consulates, due to which the situation has become more sensitive.

Why did the atmosphere deteriorate due to the assassination of Sharif Osman bin Hadi?

On 12 December, youth leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi was shot in the head in Dhaka's Bijaynagar area. When his condition became critical, he was taken to Singapore for treatment, but his life could not be saved there. After this incident, anger erupted in many parts of the country.

How did the violence affect relations with India?

Amid the turmoil, there were reports of stone pelting at the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Chattogram. Also, in some Bangladeshi media it was said without concrete evidence that the attacker had fled to India. These claims further complicated the already tense relations.

Did the situation also take a communal turn?

Unfortunately, in some areas the violence also took a communal tone. A Hindu man named Dipu Chandra Das was murdered by a mob in Mymensingh. Police have so far confirmed the arrest of at least 12 people in this case.

What kind of reaction was seen to this in India?

Anger was clearly visible in India after the news of attacks on minorities. Protests took place at many places, and demands were raised from the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of minority communities. This entire incident has made it clear that the situation is still very delicate.