DHAKA: The request from Bangladesh for the extradition of the convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not impact the overall relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi, stated foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday. He underscored that Dhaka will persist in pursuing its priorities, which include the Teesta water-sharing agreement and the cessation of “border killings”, irrespective of the extradition matter. “Given that she (Hasina) has been convicted, we certainly seek her extradition to enforce the punishment. I do not believe that other matters will be hindered because of this,” Hossain remarked. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to fostering a positive working relationship with India, grounded in mutual respect and shared interests. Although the previous government (Hasina) maintained a “warm” relationship with India, it was unable to address long-standing issues such as the Teesta water-sharing agreement and “border killings” during its 15 years in power, he noted. Regarding Pakistan, the adviser mentioned that bilateral relations had been “deliberately kept in a poor state” for years under the previous administration. “Our intention is to establish normal relations with Pakistan, nothing out of the ordinary,” he added. ‘Can issue one-time travel pass to Zia’s son’.
Hossain stated that the government is capable of issuing a “one-time” travel pass within a single day to assist BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman in his return, should he choose to come back. Rahman has been residing in exile in the UK for the last 17 years. He mentioned that the one-time pass is provided in situations where an individual lacks a valid passport or when the passport has expired. “This pass is intended for one-time use only. It requires just one day to be issued.”
