Sun Oct 06 23:21:00 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh Reassures India: Trade, Projects Continue Despite Political Turmoil
**Dhaka, October 1** – Bangladesh has reassured India that ongoing trade and projects will continue despite the recent political instability, as the country emerges from a period of unrest.
Mohammed Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, told ANI that trade has resumed and projects approved by both countries will continue as scheduled. He emphasized that while the issuance of visas hasn’t yet returned to normal, the bilateral relations between the two nations will “continue normally.”
“We both had free and fair discussions and we both recognised that we must have good working relations with each other,” Hossain said, reiterating the importance of the strong relationship between Bangladesh and India, its “largest neighbour.”
While the issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled to India amidst protests, was not discussed with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Hossain confirmed that the recent shipment of ‘Padma Hilsa’ fish from Bangladesh to West Bengal signifies the continuation of trade activities.
He also addressed concerns regarding potential religious tensions, assuring that Durga Puja, a major Hindu festival, will be celebrated as usual despite recent protests. Hossain dismissed claims of anti-Hindu sentiment, stating that the incidents were related to political tensions rather than religious intolerance.
“Durga Puja has been performed in this country for ages and there have been no instances when Durga Puja was not held,” he asserted.
The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh has raised concerns about its impact on bilateral relations with India. The reassurance from the Bangladesh government, however, suggests that both nations are committed to maintaining a strong working partnership.
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