No alternative to close ties with India: Muhammad Yunus

Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said Dhaka-Delhi relations should remain ‘very close’ despite the recent regime change in the country, asserting that it is in the interest of both countries.

“Relations between the two countries must be very close. There can be no alternative to this. They need this, we need this. This is essential from any angle, whether it’s about economics, security or water,” he was quoted as saying by Bengali language daily Prothom Alo on Tuesday.

Just as we need them, they need us. So, we have to forget certain transient matters...Main thing is to maintain good relations. We have to use everything in our power to advance towards that. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh interim govt’s chief adviser

When asked for his comments on recent tensions in bilateral ties, Yunus said the recent incidents in Bangladesh might have ‘disheartened’ India and ‘they were not pleased with the changes’. He did not mention the incidents.

“It will be difficult for us to move along without each other. It is only natural that we have close ties and good relations in every sphere,” he said.

India has urged the interim government to ensure peaceful religious events for the Hindu community in the South Asian country. More than 600 persons, including Hindus, were killed during violent protests in Bangladesh following the ouster of Hasina-led government, according to a UN report.