India, Bangladesh hold bilateral talks amid rising tensions over minority rights

New Delhi, Dec 9: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on December 9, 2024, for crucial Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mohammad Jashimuddin. On a positive note, This is the first structured dialogue between India and Bangladesh since the political changes in Bangladesh took place earlier this year.

The visit highlights the importance of the India-Bangladesh relationship, described by Misri as “people-centric and mutually beneficial.” The discussions between the two top bureaucrats were on a broad width that spread a wide range of topics, including trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, and development projects.

“India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh,” Misri stated, emphasising the shared vision of fostering ties for the benefit of both nations’ citizens.

“Today’s discussions have given both of us the opportunity to take stock of our relations, and I appreciate the opportunity today to have had a frank, candid, and constructive exchange of views with all my interlocutors. I emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. We have always seen in the past, and we continue to see in the future, this relationship as a people-centric and people-oriented relationship, one that has the benefit of all the people as its central motivational force.”

In his opening remarks with the media Foreign Secretary Misri said, “I am here in Dhaka at the invitation of my Bangladesh colleague, Mohammad Jashimuddin, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, for discussions and consultations on the entire gamut of issues in the extremely important bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh. Since the political changes in Bangladesh in August this year, there has of course been contact between our leaderships. The Prime Minister was the first world leader to greet the Chief Advisor on his assumption of office.” The Foreign Secretary said to the media after the meeting with the foreign secretary of Bangladesh. “

The meeting took place against the backdrop of strained relations, primarily driven by concerns over minority rights and rising extremism in Bangladesh.

Misri further said “I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities, as well as recent regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties.”

Incidents against minorities including violence targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh have increased tensions. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka last month on sedition charges has further strained ties, prompting calls from Indian officials for transparency and justice.

Bangladesh’s interim government that is led by Muhammad Yunus, has faced scrutiny over its handling of minority issues.

While Yunus has pledged to safeguard the rights of all citizens, the lack of decisive action has drawn scepticism from New Delhi. In the meantime, India has reiterated its willingness to support constructive efforts to address these challenges, highlighting the shared stakes in regional stability and prosperity.

Misri on a cautiously optimistic note, emphasises the need for “a forward-looking and constructive approach” to advance the bilateral relationship. Whether this optimism translates into actionable outcomes remains to be seen in the months ahead. Misri is scheduled to call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna later.