Dhaka described the recent comments made by Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh on Bangladesh’s chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as ‘incorrect’ and ‘not respectful of propriety and diplomatic nicety.’
‘We consider that Mr Singh’s comments are incorrect and unhelpful and not respectful of propriety and diplomatic nicety,’ said foreign ministry spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam when BSS sought Dhaka’s reaction to Singh’s remarks on Sunday.
In an exclusive conversation with Network18 Group editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi, Rajnath had urged Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus to ‘watch his words.’
‘We do not seek tense relations with Bangladesh, but Yunus should be cautious with his statements,’ Rajnath told Joshi. The interview was published on Friday in a report by Firstpost, a media outlet of the group.
Responding to the issue, spokesperson Alam said that recent remarks made by the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh, regarding Bangladesh’s chief adviser, had come to their attention.
He reaffirmed that Bangladesh remained ‘committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with India based on sovereign equality, non-interference in each other’s affairs, and mutual respect.
‘Bangladesh also believes that differences in perspectives are best addressed through constructive and respectful engagement,’ Alam added.
During the interview, the Indian defence minister also said that India did not want a rift with Bangladesh.