India-Bangladesh
Indian Foreign Secretary highlights spike in attacks on minorities in Bangladesh during his meeting with counterpart in Dhaka
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who visited Dhaka for the first time ever since the interim government took charge, raised the issue of the safety of minorities in the Muslim-majority nation while meeting his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Touhid Hossain.
This marked the first diplomatic interaction between the two nations ever since former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government toppled in the neighbouring nation on August 5.
An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge of the country following her ouster.
During his regime, Bangladesh is registering a rise in atrocities against minorities, especially Hindus.'
"We also had the opportunity to discuss certain developments and I conveyed the concerns, including those related to the safety, security and welfare of the minorities." the Indian official was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.
"We expect overall 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," he said.
"Today's discussions have given both of us the opportunity to take stock of our relations, and I appreciate the opportunity today to have had a frank, candid and constructive exchange of views with all my interlocutors," Misri told reporters at the foreign ministry in Dhaka.
"I emphasised on a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh," he added.
The communal tension increased during the current regime after Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested in Chittagong over sedition charges.
Earlier, India said the interim government in Bangladesh must shoulder its responsibility of protecting all minorities while expressing serious concern over the "surge" of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus.
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