Dhaka calls Rajnath Singh’s remarks “against diplomatic norms”

Darwin, 10 November-

Bangladesh has described recent comments by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, as “inaccurate” and “not respectful of diplomatic etiquette or decorum.”

When asked by the state news agency BSS to respond to Singh’s remarks, Foreign Ministry spokesperson S. M. Mahbubul Alam said,

“We consider Rajnath Singh’s comments neither correct nor constructive, and they do not show due respect for diplomatic courtesy.”

In an exclusive interview with Rahul Joshi, Editor-in-Chief of India’s Network18 Group, Rajnath Singh advised Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus to “be careful with his statements.”

Singh said in the interview, “We don’t want any tension with Bangladesh, but Yunus should be cautious in his remarks.” The interview was published on Friday by Firstpost, a media outlet under the Network18 Group.

In response, spokesperson Alam stated, “We have taken note of the comments made by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding Bangladesh’s esteemed Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.”

He reaffirmed,

“Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining mutually beneficial relations with India based on sovereign equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and mutual respect.”

Alam further added,

“Bangladesh believes that differences in perspective are best resolved through constructive and respectful dialogue.”