Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, is focused on fostering better relations with all countries within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and is actively working towards its revival. However, Shafikul Alam, the press secretary for Yunus, made it clear that Bangladesh has no intention of allowing Pakistan’s military presence in the country.
In an interview, Alam emphasized that while Yunus aims for constructive ties with all SAARC members, including Pakistan, the matter of the Pakistani army operating in Bangladesh is off the table. Yunus is keen on strengthening regional bonds through cooperation and mutual respect, not military involvement.
Alam also touched upon the controversial revocation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s passport. He confirmed that Bangladesh has officially requested India’s assistance in extraditing Hasina, who faces serious charges back home. According to Alam, Hasina is wanted for multiple crimes, including murder, forced disappearances, and corruption, and her regime was notorious for human rights violations. While Bangladesh seeks to bring her to justice, it expects India’s cooperation in this matter, with hopes for a favorable response.
The interim government’s diplomatic focus on SAARC highlights Bangladesh’s desire for regional unity, but with clear boundaries when it comes to military intervention or complicity with controversial figures from the past.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE