DHAKA, Dec 9: On Monday, India raised concerns regarding “regrettable incidents” involving attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. In response, Dhaka deemed these claims as “misleading and false” and asserted that no country should meddle in its domestic affairs. This exchange occurred during a meeting between their foreign secretaries, the first since Sheikh Hasina’s government fell.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed journalists that he expressed India’s concerns, particularly emphasizing the safety and welfare of minorities, in his discussions with his counterpart, Mohammad Jashim Uddin.
“We also addressed unfortunate incidents concerning cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties,” Misri remarked. “We anticipate a constructive approach from the Bangladesh authorities regarding these matters and are eager to enhance our relationship in a positive and progressive manner.”
This meeting took place against a backdrop of strained relations following Hasina’s departure to India on August 5 amidst widespread protests against her administration.
Since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took office in early August, India has frequently expressed its worries over the safety of Hindus.
However, Bangladesh’s statement following the meeting underscored a focus on addressing “misinformation” prevalent in Indian media.
Jashim Uddin voiced that Bangladesh expects India to actively assist in curbing the “negative campaign” in Indian media to foster trust between the two nations.
“We requested attention and action against the circulation of misleading information in Indian media regarding Bangladesh’s July-August revolution and the alleged mistreatment of minorities in the aftermath,” he stated.
Additionally, he affirmed that individuals of all faiths in Bangladesh are freely practicing their rituals.
“Conversely, we emphasized that no country should interfere in our internal matters, reminding that Bangladesh refrains from commenting on the domestic issues of other nations, and we expect the same respect in return,” he added.
Misri, marking the first high-level Indian visit to Bangladesh since the interim government took charge, highlighted New Delhi’s commitment to a “positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial” partnership with Dhaka.
“Today’s discussions allowed both sides the chance to evaluate our relationship, and I appreciate the opportunity for an open, candid, and constructive dialogue,” he stated. “I reiterated India’s desire for a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial collaboration with Bangladesh, focusing on the well-being of our peoples.”
Misri also emphasized India’s eagerness to closely associate with Bangladesh’s interim government.
He met with Interim Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain as well.
During these discussions, Misri reinforced India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.
The statement highlighted India’s intention to foster a constructive relationship with Bangladesh, focused on mutual trust and respect while being sensitive to each other’s concerns and interests.
Misri noted that people are the primary stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, highlighting India’s development cooperation and various engagements with Bangladesh—covering connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity-building—all aimed at benefiting the people.
He expressed hope that this collaborative effort could continue to meet the needs of both nations.
“Since the political changes in Bangladesh in August, there have been communications between our leaders. Our Prime Minister was the first global leader to congratulate the Chief Adviser upon his assumption, and they had a cordial telephone conversation,” he noted.
During the Foreign Office Consultations, both parties engaged in extensive discussions encompassing political and security issues, border management, trade, commerce, connectivity, and cooperation in water, power, energy, and development. They also touched upon cultural and people-to-people ties, along with regional and multilateral topics, agreeing to improve consultations and cooperation to foster regional integration under the BIMSTEC framework.
According to the MEA, Misri’s visit is expected to sustain bilateral engagement between India and Bangladesh, addressing concerns while advancing substantive matters in their relationship.
Jashim Uddin emphasized the importance of achieving “zero killings” along the border with India and urged effective measures from the Indian side to achieve this goal.
Furthermore, he indicated that Dhaka looks forward to resolving all “unsettled issues” with India.
In the discussions, the topic of shared river resources was given particular attention, with Bangladesh advocating for the signing of the Teesta water-sharing agreement along with renewing the Ganges Water Treaty, which expires in 2026.
He also called on India to eliminate existing tariff and non-tariff barriers, requesting a consistent supply of essential goods from India.
The close relationship between India and Bangladesh has faced significant challenges since Hasina’s forced departure amid large-scale protests in August, worsening recently due to incidents of violence against Hindus and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Numerous violent events targeting Hindus and other minorities, along with assaults on temples, have raised serious concerns in New Delhi over the past few weeks.
In September, Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain had a brief meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar during the UN General Assembly in New York. (PTI)
