Dhaka optimistic about resolving trade standoff with India: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said Bangladesh looks for a resolution to the ongoing trade standoff with India that has persisted since of fall of the Awami League government months ago.

 “The slowdown is impacting not just Bangladesh but also India. Traders in Kolkata are facing the brunt as well,” he said while addressing a discussion titled “SAARC: People of South Asia Crave for Cooperation,” held at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital. 

Touhid added, “We hope the standoff will be resolved soon.”

He noted that Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to arrive in Dhaka on December 9 for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India, where bilateral trade issues and other matters of mutual concern are expected to be discussed.

 “If we want to solve problems, we have to first acknowledge their existence,” Hossain remarked, emphasizing the importance of frank dialogue between the neighbours.

He highlighted a qualitative shift in the Bangladesh-India relationship following the political changeover in India on August 5.

The SAARC Journalist Forum, Bangladesh Chapter organised the seminar that brought together experts to discuss regional challenges and opportunities.

Former President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Abdul Awal Mintoo, strategic expert Brigadier General (retired) Mohammad Hasan Nasir, and Secretary General of SAARC Journalist Forum Md Abdur Rahman spoke at the seminar as special guests.

Former Editor of the New Nation Mostafa Kamal Majumder presented the keynote speech at the event chaired by Bangladesh Chapter President of the SAARC Journalist Forum Nasir Al Mamun and moderated by Seminar Organising Committee chair Rafiqul Islam Azad.

Bangladesh Chapter General Secretary of the SAARC Journalist Forum Shiabur Rahman delivered the address of welcome while representatives of SAARC countries’ missions in Dhaka, senior journalists and members of civil society attended it.

Turning to regional cooperation, the foreign adviser expressed hope for the resumption of SAARC Foreign Secretary-level meetings, which have been stalled for a decade.

He suggested that this could pave the way for foreign minister-level discussions and, eventually, a SAARC Summit.

 “SAARC appears dead, but it should not be buried,” he said, referencing an Indian diplomat’s statement to underline the need for revitalizing the regional bloc.

The adviser underscored the importance of regional cooperation to boost trade, enhance economic growth, and alleviate poverty in South Asia, urging member states to overcome bilateral differences for the collective benefit of the region.

Touhid noted that the SAARC Summit has been stalled for 10 years, largely due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

The foreign adviser laid emphasis on the necessity of regional cooperation to tackle common challenges.