New Delhi, December 11 (IANS): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave information about his visit to Bangladesh during the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. He went to Dhaka on Monday. Congress MP and committee chair Shashi Tharoor said, “We got very good information on Bangladesh and the Foreign Secretary, as you know, just returned from there (Bangladesh) yesterday, he was able to give us very detailed information.”
Tharoor said, “The MPs asked all the important questions. The Foreign Secretary gave detailed and clear answers. We will report to Parliament on this issue as it is an official subject of the committee…”
Misri met with Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh Mohammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammad Tauheed Hossain and Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin during his visit.
During his visit, the Foreign Secretary shared New Delhi’s concerns with the neighboring country over extremist rhetoric and incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that during these meetings, Foreign Secretary Misri highlighted India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He reiterated New Delhi’s desire to build constructive relations with Bangladesh based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivity to each other’s concerns and interests.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs after the conclusion of Misri’s visit, “The Foreign Secretary emphasized that the people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations. He said that India has a multi-faceted relationship with Bangladesh, including contacts, “Including the areas of trade, power, energy and capacity building, all are for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.”
“The Foreign Secretary also discussed some recent developments and issues and conveyed India’s concerns, particularly those related to the security and welfare of minorities. He noted some of the incidents of attacks on cultural, religious and diplomatic properties,” the statement said. Also raised regrettable incidents.”
The Ministry of External Affairs stressed, “The visit of the Foreign Secretary will help in maintaining bilateral engagement between India and Bangladesh, to address concerns as well as take forward important issues in the relationship.”
This visit of the Foreign Secretary took place at a time when news of violence and inflammatory statements against minorities, especially the Hindu community, are continuously emerging in Bangladesh.
India has consistently raised the issue of threats and targeted attacks against other minorities, including Hindus, strongly with the Government of Bangladesh.
–IANS
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