Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday met Bangladesh's Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain in Dhaka and raised several key issues including safety and welfare of minorities in the country. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Misri said their discussions focused on recent developments, including incidents involving attacks on cultural and religious sites.
"We discussed recent developments and I conveyed our concerns including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities... We also discussed regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural and religious properties... I also emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. I have underlined today India's desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh Authority Misri told the media," Misri added.
Misri's visit to Bangladesh
Misri said the discussions have given both India and Bangladesh the opportunity to take stock of bilateral ties. He also appreciated the opportunity to have a frank, candid and constructive exchange of views with all his interlocutors. Misri was in the neighbouring county to participate in the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between him and his counterpart Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin which were held at the State guest house Padma. Misri earlier in the day met with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain of Bangladesh.
Multiple attacks on Hindus, other minorities in Bangladesh
The meeting comes amid multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh in recent times. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. Arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 led to protests. India had on November 26 noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.
It should be noted here that India had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.