Mamata's statement on UN peacekeepers is 'not the right step for her': Foreign adviser

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that the statement made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging the Indian central government to take the initiative to send UN peacekeepers to Bangladesh, is "not the right step" for her.

The adviser expressed this view during a press briefing with journalists after briefing diplomats at the state guest house Padma on Monday.

When asked about the government's stance on Mamata's statement, Touhid said, "I want to regard Mamata Banerjee's statement as a 'Mamata Banerjee-type statement'. I fail to comprehend why she made this statement."

He added, "Personally, I am familiar with her. I have also visited her house. I think this is not the right step for her."

"Politicians usually make statements from a political perspective. I think this statement might help her in West Bengal politics. But that’s my opinion," the adviser added.

Regarding the upcoming Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) scheduled for this month, Touhid said, "The FOC was supposed to take place. I believe it will happen. Both sides will look into it."