Dhaka, Delhi want to move away from Yunus-era relations: PM's Adviser

Both Dhaka and New Delhi want to move away from the trajectory of relations shaped during the previous political context, Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has said.

Responding to journalists' questions at a regular briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, June 9, the adviser said that during the government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus after August 5, a certain pattern of relations with India had developed. Now both countries are trying to move beyond that and rebuild the relationship.

Regarding India's push-in attempts, he said he does not believe India is doing this to pressure Bangladesh. Rather, it is happening as a result of India's internal political dynamics, which are also linked to the political context of West Bengal. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.

On the spread of misinformation, the adviser said the government is set to take strict measures to stop such activities. Fake photocards, misleading videos and false information using logos of various media outlets are being circulated. Legal and institutional measures are being taken to curb this, including the formation of a lawyer panel.

Regarding local government elections, he said since it is a non-partisan election, anyone who meets the personal criteria can participate, and the government has no objection.

On confusion being spread about honours-level subjects such as Bangla, history and philosophy, the adviser clarified that no decision has been made to cancel these subjects. The departments will remain, but discussions on future plans are ongoing, and no final decision has been taken.

He also informed that plans are in place to hold student union elections in universities and major colleges in phases.