A senior adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Md Touhid Hossain, has assured that the extended stay of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India will not harm the strong bilateral relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi. Speaking on Monday, Hossain emphasized that Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining good relations with India, regardless of Hasina's presence there.

Addressing concerns about the potential impact on bilateral ties if Hasina's stay in India is prolonged, Hossain dismissed the notion as speculative. "This is a hypothetical question. If someone stays in a country, why would relations with that particular country be affected? There is no reason for that," he said, underscoring that bilateral relations are shaped by broader interests rather than individual circumstances.

Sheikh Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India last week amidst widespread protests against her government, which had been mired in controversy over a disputed quota system in public sector jobs. The turmoil culminated in her departure, raising questions about the future of Bangladesh’s relations with its neighboring countries.

Hossain highlighted that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is rooted in mutual interests, and these will continue to guide their interactions. "Friendship is based on interests, and both sides—Bangladesh and India—will follow those interests," he remarked, adding that the presence of a single individual in another country does not dictate the dynamics of international relations.

Reiterating the interim government's commitment to upholding all existing agreements, Hossain assured that Dhaka would continue to foster positive ties with New Delhi. "We will always try to maintain good relations with India," he affirmed.

Earlier in the day, Hossain briefed diplomats stationed in Dhaka, including the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, on the current situation in the country. He sought their support, stressing the interim government's commitment to restoring stability and charting a new future for Bangladesh.

"We believe that all our friends and partners in the international community will continue to stand by the interim government and our people as we embark on this new chapter," Hossain told the diplomats. He further reassured them that Bangladesh is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of diplomatic missions and foreign nationals.

Hossain, a seasoned diplomat and former foreign secretary, accused the previous Awami League government of gross human rights violations in its attempts to suppress the popular movement that ultimately led to its ouster. He described last week's events as a "second liberation," driven by a mass uprising led by the country's brave students.

The interim government, Hossain stated, is determined to meet the renewed expectations of the people and is focused on a smooth transition to an inclusive and pluralistic electoral democracy. He expressed confidence that the international community would continue to support Bangladesh during this critical period.

Regarding the possibility of repatriating Sheikh Hasina, Hossain noted that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the law ministry. His office would only be involved if requested by the law ministry.

"Our policy is to maintain good relations with all countries while safeguarding our national interests," Hossain said, emphasizing the government's intention to keep relations with all nations, including India and China, positive and smooth.

When questioned about the interim government's approach to India, Hossain affirmed the strong and deep bond shared by the two nations. "It is important that people feel India is a good friend of Bangladesh. We want to advance the Dhaka-Delhi relationship in that direction," he concluded.