NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok today.
In his first meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus following tensions after Sheikh Hasina's government exit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s desire to build a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism, while cautioning that “rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided.”
During the 45-minute meeting held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, Modi raised India’s concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus.
He expressed his expectation that the Bangladeshi government would ensure their protection, particularly by thoroughly investigating incidents of atrocities against them.
“Enunciating India’s people-centric approach to the relationship, Prime Minister highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries. He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said after the meeting.
In reference to recent remarks, including Yunus’s statement about Bangladesh remaining the “guardian of the ocean” for sea access to India’s north-eastern states, Modi urged that “rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided.”
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s concern over the attacks on minorities in the neighbouring country.
“The Prime Minister underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the Government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them,” Misri said.
Modi also stressed the need for strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the meeting as “very constructive, productive and fruitful.”
“Chief Adviser has discussed all issues of our mutual interests. For example, renewal of the Ganges water treaty, Teesta water sharing, border killing,” Alam said. He added that “incendiary comments made by Sheikh Hasina in India” were also raised during the meeting with Modi.
Yunus also discussed the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Hasina but refrained from further comment on the matter.
“Bangladesh has made a formal request regarding Sheikh Hasina. Saying anything more on this will not be correct right now,” Misri said.
Modi also congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and said he looked forward to the “forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership.”