Jaishankar’s visit not political: Foreign Adviser

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today said Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Dhaka visit should not be viewed through an inter-state or political lens, calling it a goodwill gesture linked to the funeral of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. "His visit was brief, but he participated in the entire programme and then left. It was a good gesture-nothing more than that," the foreign adviser told journalists at the Foreign Ministry here this afternoon. 

He said the visit of the Indian foreign minister should not be overinterpreted politically, noting that representatives from all South Asian countries attended the funeral of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. "His (Jaishankar's) visit was better not to seek meanings beyond courtesy," he added. 

Touhid Hossain clarified that there was no one-to-one meeting with Jaishankar, nor any opportunity for bilateral discussions, as several foreign dignitaries were present at the time, including Speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. He said any exchange with the Indian minister was purely ceremonial and devoid of political content.  "It was entirely courtesy, in front of others, so there was no scope to discuss bilateral issues," he added.

Asked whether Jaishankar's visit would help ease tensions between Bangladesh and India, the foreign adviser said the answer would have to be assessed in the future. Touhid also said Begum Khaleda Zia enjoyed a positive image not only in Bangladesh but across neighbouring countries, adding that she commanded respect and acceptance among people of all political affiliations.  He noted that this recognition across South Asia made it natural for foreign leaders and representatives to attend her funeral.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to pay last respects to the former prime minister and BNP chairperson. Foreign ministers from Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, along with a special envoy of the President of the Maldives, also visited Dhaka on the occasion.