Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has expressed New Delhi's intent to enhance engagement with Bangladesh's interim government and work collaboratively to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

“There’s no doubt about increasing engagement. We see this as mutually beneficial,” Misri said during his meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. 

The 40-minute meeting covered a range of topics, including the status of minorities, misinformation campaigns, regional cooperation, the ousted dictator Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India, and the recent mass uprising in Bangladesh, according to sources from the Chief Adviser’s office.

Professor Yunus described Bangladesh-India relations as “solid and close” but urged India to help address recent challenges that have strained the partnership. 

Referring to Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following 15 years of autocratic rule, Yunus expressed concerns over her statements made from Indian soil, which he said could incite tensions.

Misri told the CA that he closely followed developments in Bangladesh during the July-August uprising, which ended Hasina’s regime. 

Professor Yunus elaborated on the movement, emphasizing the unity of students, workers, and the general public in achieving a “new Bangladesh.” 

He highlighted the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government, which aim to fulfill the aspirations of the people.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Misri, was among the first leaders to congratulate Professor Yunus upon assuming office. 

Misri also dismissed the notion that India supports any particular political party in Bangladesh, saying, “Our ties are not with one party but with everyone.”

Discussions also included the need for bilateral cooperation on flood and water management, with Professor Yunus calling on India to join efforts to revive SAARC and promote regional prosperity. Misri acknowledged SAARC’s challenges but reaffirmed India’s continued engagement with the organization.

On minority issues, Professor Yunus assured the Indian side of the Interim government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background, saying, “We are one family and must work together.”

Misri further announced that India had recently doubled the number of visas issued to Bangladeshis and plans to increase the quota further to facilitate people-to-people connections.

BDST: 1148 HRS, DEC 10, 2024
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