India-B'desh Talks: FS Misri Voices Concern Over Attacks, 'False Info', Claims Dhaka; Yunus Slams Hasina For Comments

The discussions took place at a meeting in Dhaka between the Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri and his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammad Jashim Uddin.

India raised its concerns regarding the safety of minorities in the neighbouring country. Dhaka however, called the reports 'misleading and false' while asserting that no country should interfere in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

Vikram Misri in Dhaka for meeting with his counterpart

Commenting on the discussions held at the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters that he conveyed India's concerns regarding the safety and welfare of minorities. Targeting of Hindus has been taking the shape of a pressing issue since the interim government of Muhammad Yunus took charge in early August and India has repeatedly expressed concern over the matters.

"We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties," Misri said. "We expect, overall, a constructive approach on all these issues by the Bangladesh authorities, and we look forward to moving the relationship forward in a positive, forward-looking, and constructive direction", Misri said.

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However, while responding to India's claims, Bangladesh primarily emphasised the narrative of Indian media disseminating “misinformation”. Jashim Uddin said the Bangladesh side expected Delhi's active cooperation to halt the “negative campaign” in India to build trust among the people of the two countries.

"We drew their attention and sought appropriate steps regarding dissemination of misleading and false information in Indian media about Bangladesh's July-August revolution and alleged hostile attitude to the minority communities here in the post-revolution," he said.Jashim Uddin said Dhaka simultaneously strongly stated that followers of all faiths in Bangladesh were performing their rituals freely.

"At the same time, we said no country is expected to interfere in our internal affairs and reminded that Bangladesh refrains from commenting on internal affairs of other countries and they should as well show identical respect for us," he said.

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Misri meets Yunus

Misri also called on Interim Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain.

According to the official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during these meetings, Misri highlighted India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.

"He reiterated India's willingness to build a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, based on mutual trust and respect and mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns and interests," it said.

Terming India-Bangladesh bilateral relations "very solid and close", Yunus said slammed deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and said her comments from India were creating tensions in Bangladesh.

"Our people are concerned because she is making many statements from there. It creates tensions," the chief adviser’s press wing quoted him as saying to the Indian foreign secretary.

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"We want to build a prosperous new future for all of us," he said. On minorities, the chief adviser said his government was committed to protecting every citizen and safeguarding their rights irrespective of their creed, colour, ethnicity and gender. "We are a family,” he said.

Misri emphasised that people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, and noted that India’s development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy and capacity building, are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.

He said there is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interest of both our peoples.

"Since the political changes in Bangladesh, in August this year, there has, of course, been contact between our leaders. Our Prime Minister was the first world leader to greet the Chief Adviser on his assumption of office. The two of them had a very cordial telephone conversation...," he said.