Bangladesh has reiterated its firm commitment to peace in South Asia, expressing deep concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasized Bangladesh’s position, saying, "Our stance is very clear. We want peace in South Asia. We do not want any major conflict that can endanger the people of the region."

The recent attack, which killed 26 tourists, has sharply escalated hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, prompting Bangladesh to call for calm and dialogue. Hossain noted that while some countries have already proposed mediation, Bangladesh does not intend to mediate at this moment. "We should not try to play any role of mediation prematurely. We believe tensions should ease through bilateral talks or mediation by other means," he said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s friendly ties with both India and Pakistan, Hossain said Dhaka hopes both sides will find a peaceful resolution. "Mediation or bilateral talks — whatever the case — we want tensions to be defused and peace to be maintained," he added.

In response to reports of the arrest of over 1,000 alleged Bangladeshis in Gujarat and other parts of India, Hossain clarified that Bangladesh has not received any official communication from Indian authorities. "Verification is necessary. If they are confirmed to be Bangladeshis, Bangladesh will cooperate and act accordingly," he stated.

The Adviser also addressed developments in Rakhine State, Myanmar. He revealed that Bangladesh has agreed in principle to allow the United Nations to use its territory as a humanitarian channel to deliver aid to Rakhine, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, he acknowledged that informal contacts have been made with the Arakan Army, a non-state actor, due to the complex realities on the ground.

As regional tensions threaten stability, Bangladesh’s proactive diplomacy underscores its growing role as a responsible voice for peace and humanitarian cooperation in South Asia.

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