Jaishankar’s visit should not be read through political lens: Touhid
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Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain suggested not to interpret Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s brief visit to Dhaka through an inter-state or political lens, saying it should be seen primarily as a gesture of courtesy.
He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He also suggested that whether the visit would help ease tensions between Bangladesh and India should be assessed in the future.
Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to pay last respects to former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on behalf of the Indian government.
Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also visited Dhaka on the same day for the same purpose. Several other South Asian leaders and representatives were present, including Bhutan’s Foreign Minister D N Dhungel, Maldives minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
“All South Asian countries were represented. India’s foreign minister also came. His visit was brief, but he attended the entire programme and then left,” Touhid Hossain said. “It was a good gesture—nothing more. It is better not to look for anything beyond that or view this visit from an inter-state or political perspective.”
The foreign affairs adviser said there was no one-on-one meeting with Jaishankar, nor was there an opportunity for such talks. “Other foreign guests were present. Pakistan’s speaker was also there, and Jaishankar shook hands with him as well. This was a matter of courtesy, which everyone observes,” he said.
He added that the limited exchange he had with Jaishankar was entirely non-political and took place in front of others, leaving no scope for discussing bilateral issues.
Asked whether Jaishankar’s visit could help defuse tensions between the two countries, Touhid Hossain said, “You will have to look for that answer in the days ahead.”
He also highlighted Khaleda Zia’s stature beyond Bangladesh, saying she enjoyed a positive image in neighbouring countries as well. “She reached a position that is well known to all. At home, she commanded acceptance and respect across party lines,” he said.
According to the adviser, this recognition is widely acknowledged across South Asia, making the presence of regional leaders at her funeral and condolence events both natural and appropriate.