Dhaka, Sept 02 (V7N): Md Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Interim Government, emphasized on Monday that the much-discussed 'golden chapter' in Dhaka-Delhi relations is yet to be reflected at the people-to-people level, even though it exists between the two governments.

"We aspire for strong people-to-people connections, where citizens genuinely feel that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is robust. It's important to acknowledge that this aspect has been lacking," Hossain mentioned to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He suggested that while the Indian media may have amplified certain narratives, the international media, known for their substantive and impartial reporting, did not buy into the hype. Addressing the situation, Hossain acknowledged some unrest during the revolution, which he described as typical, but assured that these issues have been resolved, stating, "We have moved beyond that phase."

Recognizing the existing discontent among the people, Hossain expressed confidence that these concerns could be resolved through bilateral "corrective measures."

He further noted that there was initial hope that the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) would serve as a viable alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), but this expectation has not materialized. According to Hossain, BIMSTEC will not function as an effective platform until peace is restored in Myanmar.

The Adviser clarified that Bangladesh does not seek an alternative to SAARC but acknowledged that SAARC has been undermined by the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan.

Bangladesh's goal, Hossain stated, is to maintain friendly relations with all nations, including both India and Pakistan.

Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus reiterated his commitment to revitalizing SAARC as the premier regional forum to strengthen ties among South Asian nations. During a recent phone conversation with Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prof Yunus underscored the importance of holding regular SAARC summits and called for a brief meeting among the heads of state and governments of SAARC member countries at the earliest opportunity.

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