New Delhi [India]: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Bangladesh on December 9 to lead Foreign Office Consultations and hold several high-level meetings, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday.
This visit comes against the backdrop of tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka following reports of attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, under Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Agenda and Statements
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined the purpose of Misri’s visit:
“The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on 9th December. He will meet his counterpart and engage in several other meetings. Foreign Office Consultations led by the Foreign Secretary is a structured engagement between India and Bangladesh. We look forward to this meeting,” Jaiswal said during the weekly press briefing.
Addressing concerns about minority rights in Bangladesh, Jaiswal expressed hope for a fair legal process:
“We reiterate our position that individuals have legal rights, and we hope these rights are respected. We expect a fair and transparent trial,” he stated, referencing the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Controversy Surrounding Chinmoy Krishna Das
Chinmoy Krishna Das, associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested on November 25 in Dhaka on sedition charges. The charges stem from a complaint alleging disrespect to Bangladesh’s national flag during a Hindu community rally. A Chattogram court deferred his bail hearing to January 2, 2025, citing the absence of the defense lawyer.
India has raised concerns over the case, urging Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure the protection of minority rights and fair treatment.
Bangladesh’s Response
Bangladesh’s Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Shafiqul Alam, expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions:
“We look forward to the visit of the Indian Foreign Secretary. Both Foreign Secretaries will discuss issues of mutual interest, and we hope these meetings will deepen ties between the two neighbors,” Alam told ANI.
Addressing current relations, Alam added:
“We believe our relationship with India remains stable, and both countries are working to strengthen it further. We hope the coming months will bring even better relations.”
Rising Concerns Over Violence and Extremism
MEA has consistently expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh.
“The interim government must live up to its responsibility and take steps to protect minorities. India has raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladesh government,” Jaiswal reiterated.
Recent Diplomatic Incident
Last week, protests in Agartala, Tripura led to attacks on the premises of Bangladesh’s acting High Commission. Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma over the incident. India expressed regret and enhanced security measures at Bangladesh’s diplomatic premises in India.
Strengthening Ties Amid Challenges
Misri’s visit, set against these challenges, is seen as a pivotal moment to address bilateral concerns and reaffirm commitments to mutual cooperation.