Staff Reporter :
India has conveyed its strong interest in collaborating with Bangladesh’s interim government to further advance bilateral relations and work towards achieving shared goals.
“We are interested in advancing our relationship with Bangladesh,” said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, following a courtesy meeting with Md Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the Foreign Adviser highlighted several critical issues, including the need to put an end to border killings, expedite the conclusion of the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement, and ensure the supply of essential commodities.
Hossain emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with India, calling for increased “people-centric engagement” in the coming days. He reiterated the need for closer cooperation to address key concerns, especially the long-standing issues of border violence and equitable water sharing from the Teesta River.
The Foreign Adviser also raised concerns about the exaggerated media portrayal of events in Bangladesh and noted that recent statements attributed to India regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were not conducive to fostering better relations between the two nations.
Hossain affirmed the interim government’s dedication to ensuring the peaceful coexistence of different communities in Bangladesh, including religious and ethnic minorities.
He emphasised that the government would not tolerate violence or intimidation against any community and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all groups.
“We are pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that all religious groups and political parties are united in this mission.
The meeting between the Indian High Commissioner and the interim government marked the first official engagement since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5. Sheikh Hasina is currently residing in India. When asked about her stay, High Commissioner Verma declined to comment.
Her presence in India has raised concerns, particularly as multiple cases have been filed against her, including accusations related to the killing of innocent civilians and students.
Pranay Verma also relayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s best wishes to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, and expressed the Indian government’s keen interest in working with the interim government to meet the shared aspirations of the people of both countries.
During the meeting, Foreign Adviser Hossain briefed the High Commissioner on the current situation in Bangladesh. He referred to recent developments as the nation’s “second liberation,” achieved through a mass uprising led by students.
“The combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest to end discrimination and inequities,” Hossain said.
The student-led movement, initially aimed at reforming the discriminatory public service recruitment system, quickly grew into a nationwide revolution seeking to establish a just, fair, and inclusive society. Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus agreed to lead the interim government at the request of the students and the people, Hossain added.
Regarding the priorities of the interim government, the Foreign Adviser stated, “The most pressing task before this interim government is to restore law and order and stabilise the economy.”
He further remarked that the government is focused on implementing meaningful reforms and achieving lasting transformation to fulfil the aspirations of the people, particularly the youth.
“The government is committed to ensuring a transition to an inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere conducive to holding free, fair, and participatory elections,” he added.