'Get India off your mind', advises junior foreign affairs minister

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir has advised journalists to stop obsessing over the neighboring country at all times and instead focus their attention on their own nation.

"You cannot be thinking about India during breakfast, lunch, and dinner all the time," he said. "Think about your own country."

Humayun Kabir made the remarks during a regular news briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. During the briefing, questions arose regarding a potential meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Although BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman received an invitation to visit India after assuming office as Prime Minister last February, he has not made it yet. 

Tarique Rahman was also invited to the recently concluded BRICS summit in New Delhi. However, Dhaka chose not to attend as the invitation was not formally extended through proper channels.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to depart for the United States on September 21 to attend the UN General Assembly. Humayun Kabir addressed reporters to outline the agenda of this upcoming visit.

He said that Tarique Rahman will highlight Bangladesh’s "new transformation and vision" during his address at the General Assembly. He will exchange views with world leaders on Bangladesh's future roadmap, outlining on the UN platform how the nation aims to play an influential and positive role in global peace, sustainable solutions, and crisis resolution.

The State Minister also noted that Tarique Rahman will hold several meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the UN session.

Elaborating on his previous remarks regarding the reluctance to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of multilateral forums, he clarified, "That was primarily applicable to India. We want to build a strong and effective bilateral relationship with India. Therefore, it is best if the first official engagement takes place through a direct bilateral visit. When building a strong relationship with a country, the initial meeting should be bilateral rather than on the sidelines of a multilateral forum."

Emphasizing that the current government seeks to reshape its bilateral ties with India, he added, "We want to move past the uncomfortable dynamic maintained over the last 15 years under an autocratic, corrupt, and plundering government and build a new relationship. This should be achieved through direct bilateral talks, not on the sidelines of any multilateral events."

When a journalist asked if this meant a meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in New York was ruled out, Humayun Kabir responded, "Your question is off target. Get India off your mind."

Advising everyone not to dwell on India continuously, he further remarked, "Whenever it is necessary to hold bilateral or multilateral discussions with any party, we will certainly do so. However, it is impossible to meet everyone on the sidelines. We have numerous invitations and will be engaging in talks with many nations."
When asked whether there is any possibility of a meeting between the Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir avoided a direct answer.

"Sideline meetings are often finalized at the very last moment," he said. "You will know who the Prime Minister is meeting on the sidelines when the time comes."

The State Minister added that Bangladesh will be organizing a "sideline event" focused on the Rohingya crisis this year.

Border Killings

A reporter highlighted the recent killing of a Bangladeshi citizen by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Thakurgaon border and asked what steps the government is taking.

In response, the State Minister said, "We will resolve these issues through diplomatic discussions. Adhering to international law, border guidelines, and bilateral agreements, our government will raise these concerns with India at every level and continue discussions through diplomatic channels."

Regarding the Chief Whip's statement in Parliament about reviewing 101 agreements with India, Humayun Kabir said that those are being verified and examined through parliamentary procedures. He noted that the matter falls under the Chief Whip's jurisdiction, who would be best positioned to give a definitive answer.

Saima Wazed’s Appointment Was ‘Controversial’

The briefing also touched upon Saima Wazed—daughter of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina following the July uprising—stepping down from her post as WHO Regional Director amid various allegations.

"Saima Wazed Putul's appointment to this post was deeply unfortunate and controversial," Humayun Kabir said. "She lacked the necessary educational qualifications, experience, or expertise required for such a high-level position. An autocratic regime placed her in that role through nepotism, fraud, concealment of information, and abuse of power."

"The stench of corruption can never be hidden; it is bound to come out," he added. "The stench of the Sheikh Mujib family's corruption is now so blatant that people everywhere recognize it." He noted that such appointments are an embarrassment for international organizations as well.

With the election for WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia scheduled for next January, the State Minister was asked if Bangladesh would field a new candidate.

"We hope to support a properly qualified candidate in the future," he replied. "For instance, we could consider a candidate from the Maldives who possesses a strong track record and the right qualifications."

Money Laundering

Reporters also inquired about how many countries the government is collaborating with to repatriate laundered money.

Humayun Kabir pointed out that that the government is working with international partners to recover stolen assets and laundered funds. A partnership has already been established with the United Kingdom, and talks are ongoing with countries that have strong legal and forensic expertise.

"Through legal and diplomatic channels, we are determined to bring this stolen public money and assets back to Bangladesh so that it benefits ordinary citizens rather than lining individual pockets," he affirmed.