Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, acknowledged on Thursday, February 5, 2026, that relations between Bangladesh and India experienced "setbacks" and were "not smooth" during the tenure of the interim government. Hossain expressed optimism that the incoming elected government would address these challenges and improve the relationship.

The interim government, according to Hossain, emphasized maintaining a "good working relationship" with India from the beginning. He made these remarks during a meeting with the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hossain stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and India has stalled due to differences in the perception of mutual interests. He noted, "Bangladesh's relations with India are important, and there is no doubt about it. We wanted good working relations with them. I cannot say that we have succeeded here because the relationship is at a standstill". He further explained, "India has thought about their interests, we have also thought about our interests. Due to the difference in the perception of the two sides' own interests, we could not move forward in many areas".

While admitting the India-Bangladesh relations were "not smooth" during the interim government, Hossain voiced confidence that his successor would improve the relations. He believes the next government will be able to overcome the stalemate and advance the relationship.

Md. Touhid Hossain also addressed concerns about agreements being signed with other countries by the interim government, stating that it would make it easier for the next government to work on those issues. He noted the lack of significant investment progress in the last year and a half but anticipates investors will come forward once the new government is in place.

Regarding visa issues, Hossain stated that Bangladeshis are not being given visas, but he declined to accept personal responsibility for the issue, attributing it to the country's system as a whole. He also cautioned that more difficult times may come, saying, "We are fully responsible for not issuing visas". He said that the Chief Advisor himself stated, "We are the best at fraud. When you commit fraud, why would you trust your papers?".

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, the first since the student-led uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year tenure in August 2024. Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the Chief Adviser to the interim government on August 8, 2024, following Hasina's resignation. The upcoming election results are expected to significantly impact Bangladesh's democratic trajectory and geopolitical position.