NN Online:
India on Friday said the remarks attributed to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina were made in her individual capacity and that the Indian government has no involvement in the matter.
Bangladesh acting High Commissioner to India Md Nurul Islam was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs to the South Block to convey India’s position.
MEA official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was conveyed that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been reiterated several times in recent high-level meetings.
“It is, however, regrettable that regular statements made by Bangladesh authorities continue to portray India negatively, holding us responsible for internal governance issues,” he said.
These statements by Bangladesh are in fact responsible for the persistent negativity, said the MEA Spokesperson in response to media queries on summoning the Bangladesh acting high commissioner.
Conflating this with the government of India’s position is not going to help add positivity to bilateral relations, he said.
“While the government of India will make efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship we expect that Bangladesh will reciprocate similarly without vitiating the atmosphere,” the MEA Spokesperson added.
“Safety of diplomatic missions is the responsibility of the host govt and I have no doubt Bangladesh authorities are aware of responsibilities,” said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on safety of Indian Diplomatic mission in Dhaka during a separate briefing in New Delhi.
