Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri voiced deep regret over the recent attacks targeting religious and cultural properties in Bangladesh, emphasizing India’s concern for the safety and welfare of minorities in the neighboring country. These comments came during Misri’s high-level diplomatic engagements in Dhaka, where he met Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s advisor on foreign affairs, and Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government. These meetings were particularly significant as they marked the first formal interactions between the two nations since the Yunus-led interim government assumed office on August 8.
Misri’s visit unfolded against the backdrop of rising tensions in Bangladesh, including the detention of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Das, charged with sedition for allegedly insulting the Bangladeshi national flag during a rally, has become a flashpoint for unrest. His arrest sparked widespread protests among his supporters, escalating into violent clashes with security forces that reportedly resulted in the death of a lawyer. Reports of a surge in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh since the recent change in government have added to the urgency of India’s diplomatic overtures.
During his meeting with Md Touhid Hossain, Misri expressed India’s profound concerns over the deteriorating situation, highlighting the regrettable incidents of violence against cultural and religious properties. He reiterated India’s long-standing commitment to fostering a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. Misri emphasized that this bilateral relationship is deeply rooted in people-to-people connections and is oriented toward improving the lives of citizens on both sides of the border.
The Foreign Secretary underlined the substantial benefits of the India-Bangladesh partnership, noting its daily reflection in developmental projects and collaborations across diverse sectors. These include trade, commerce, connectivity, energy, water resource management, consular support, and cultural exchange. He pointed out that these cooperative engagements have consistently delivered mutual advantages and should continue to do so, ensuring stability and prosperity in the region. Misri expressed India’s readiness to work closely with Bangladesh’s interim government to sustain and expand these efforts.
Addressing the media after his discussions, Misri emphasized the importance of maintaining an open dialogue, describing his interactions as frank, candid, and constructive. He viewed the meetings as a valuable opportunity to take stock of bilateral ties and to address pressing issues with transparency and mutual respect.
Misri reiterated India’s desire for peace, stability, and progress in Bangladesh, particularly during this sensitive political transition. He expressed hope that the strong foundation of India-Bangladesh relations would enable both nations to navigate current challenges and strengthen their partnership further. His visit reflected India’s proactive approach to ensuring regional harmony and underscored its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all communities within Bangladesh.
The discussions, while focused on immediate concerns, also highlighted the broader vision of continued cooperation between India and Bangladesh. Misri’s remarks resonated with India’s stance on building inclusive, harmonious, and people-centric bilateral relations, emphasizing that these efforts benefit not only the governments but also the citizens of both nations. The visit concluded with an optimistic outlook for enhancing mutual ties and addressing shared challenges in a collaborative manner.
