Published : 22 May 2025, 01:15 AM
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has said Bangladesh has written to India over the recent push-in incidents along the border, urging Delhi to honour existing arrangements and not act beyond agreed norms.
Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, he said: “We don’t expect a reply within a day of sending the letter. They have conveyed part of their position, and we have explained ours — that such actions are unacceptable from our side.”
Touhid noted that any return or handover should follow the proper procedures.
“They’ve shared some names with us. We are currently verifying those through the home ministry.”
In response to a question, the advisor said: “We are in contact with Delhi. We’re working to ensure nothing happens outside the rules.”
Asked if the Rohingya refugees pushed into Bangladesh would be returned the same way, he said: “So far, no clear decision has been made on this matter.
“But if anyone is proven to be an Indian national, they must be taken back.”
The interim government had earlier said it would review existing agreements with India.
On the review or cancellation of those agreements, Touhid said several small agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been made at different times.
He noted that such agreements must be cancelled with mutual consent from both parties. Alternatively, if provisions allow cancellation if one party objects, those apply.
At this moment, none of the agreements have been cancelled, the advisor said.
He added that they want everything to proceed according to the rules. "Let’s see how much we can do."
When asked if India was violating existing rules, Touhid said: “Rules can be interpreted in different ways. One might read them positively or negatively at times.
“So, we are moving forward, keeping that complexity in mind. No one ever admits they are violating rules.”
He also confirmed, in response to another question, that Dhaka had sent a letter to India over the suspension of exports through land ports.