Diplomatic Correspondent :
In a bid to improve relations strains by recent political changes in Bangladesh, high-level officials from Bangladesh and India held their first direct talks since the upheaval that overthrew the fascist Sheikh Hasina government on August 5.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Foreign Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Md. Touhid Hossain, and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed ways to advance mutual interests between the neighbouring countries.
The meeting held on Monday evening, according to New York’s local time, was a significant step forward in the dialogue between the two South Asian neighbours.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed the details of the meeting via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning.
The discussion centred around the current state of bilateral relations and the potential for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, despite the political shifts in Bangladesh and the subsequent impact on regional dynamics.
The ministry’s post noted that the meeting between the two high-level representatives signifies the importance for the future relations of these two countries.
The neighbouring countries discussed issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on its X handle.
India External Minister S Jaishankar also took to X to share insight into the meeting, emphasising the importance of the discussion between them.
“The conversation focused on our bilateral ties,” he wrote on X.
The meeting between Touhid Hossain and S Jaishankar comes after a period of political turmoil in Bangladesh.
On August 5, in the wake of a large-scale surprise led by students and citizens, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down from her position and fled the country for India.
Growing discontent among the Bangladeshi populace, students, and general people led to widespread protests and ultimately toppled her from power.
The political upheaval ultimately forced her government out of power, leaving a vacuum that an interim administration quickly filled.
Sheikh Hasina’s departure marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The political shift has been closely monitored by neighbouring countries, particularly India, with which Bangladesh shares a complex relationship.
Following Sheikh Hasina’s departure, relations between Bangladesh and India experienced a period of uncertainty and tension.
The political changes in Dhaka prompted concerns in New Delhi about the future directions of Bangladesh’s foreign policy, especially considering the historically close ties between the two countries under Hasina’s administration.
The meeting between Touhid Hossain and S Jaishankar was expected as no high-level meeting was held between the two countries after the fall of Sheikh Hasina.
During the discussions, both parties acknowledge the need to focus on common goals and to work together in accordance with shared challenges.