Dhaka: At a time when tension prevailed amid recent reports of violence against minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Dhaka on Monday morning to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries. This will be the first high-level official visit since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took over Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country.
The visit also follows the recent arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong, which led to protests in both the countries. The delegation led by the foreign secretaries of both the countries is likely to discuss the overall issues of bilateral relations. They will be participating in the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) mechanism established between the two countries.
Earlier, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, Shafiqul Alam, had stated that the foreign secretaries of both the countries would hold talks on issues regarding mutual interest.
Last September, the Foreign Adviser (Minister) of the interim government of Bangladesh Md. Touhid Hossain had met the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). They decided to maintain ‘good working relationship’ at that time.
However, reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh continued. On December 6, another Hindu temple was allegedly set on fire in the outskirts of Dhaka, reported the NDTV. The attackers reportedly poured petrol on the idols.
Spiritual leader Chinmony Krishna Das also continues to be under arrest on sedition charges. The Ministry of External Affairs has pressed the Bangladesh interim government to ensure that the legal rights of the individual are respected.
