This undated file image shows a view of the United Nations General Assembly hall in New York City, New York, United States. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Dr Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the interim government, will be visiting New York on a short trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly, according to Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain.
He made this statement during a briefing with journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday afternoon.
When asked if the chief advisor is attending the United Nations General Assembly, he confirmed that the decision had been made for the chief advisor to attend.
“I am going to talk to him now. However, he will return shortly after a brief visit. If he were to go to Washington, there might have been more tasks, but he will return quickly from New York,” he said.
When asked about the date of his departure, he said: “Let’s wait a bit more; it will become clear later.”
Regarding potential bilateral meetings during the visit, he mentioned: “Those will happen once he’s there. Some discussions are taking place. There will be some meetings, that much I can say. But I can’t specify anything. It’s not always the case that all heads of state attend. The format in New York will follow accordingly. He won’t be going to Washington.”
Returning Sheikh Hasina
Asked about his comments in the media about returning Sheikh Hasina, the foreign affairs adviser clarified that he did not mean they have to return her if asked.
He explained: “What I meant was that if a legal question arises, we can request her return. If the courts tell us to bring her back, we will make efforts accordingly.”
When asked if there is an obligation to return her, he said: “Whether India will return her or not is their matter. We have an agreement. If requested, they should be able to return her. There is a legal process involved. I don’t know how it will work. If the legal system requires us to bring her back, then we will certainly try.”
When asked about the status of Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India, he replied: “You should ask the Indians about that. Her red passport has been automatically cancelled. Ask the Indians what status she has there.”
Relations with India
Regarding the current status of Indian projects in Bangladesh, he said: “After any revolutionary activity, some disturbances are to be expected. We had some law and order issues here, which cannot be denied. But we have managed to bring it under control. Gradually, everything will return to normal. Once things are normalized, they will feel secure and will return. Because we have to complete the ongoing projects.”
When asked about an anti-India sentiment causing fear among those working here, he said: “I would say they are in a state of fear, not panic. I hope they can overcome this fear.”
When asked if the current government will reconsider the latest MoU with India, he replied: “An MoU is not a final agreement. Therefore, we can review whether our interests are protected. We will take necessary actions to safeguard our interests.”
When asked if any settlement is happening with Myanmar, he said: “There isn’t even an internal settlement in Myanmar, so why should we expect anything at this point?”
