In a significant diplomatic move, India’s top career diplomat arrived in Bangladesh on Monday, seeking to ease escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries following the recent upheaval that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, whose autocratic rule was staunchly supported by India, remains in New Delhi after her removal, despite Bangladesh’s intentions to seek her extradition.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has accused India of “aggressive” actions aimed at undermining his administration. Yunus, who has faced multiple legal challenges during Hasina’s reign, has been a vocal critic of India’s unwavering support for her government, despite widespread human rights violations throughout her tenure.
Vikram Misra, Secretary of India’s Foreign Ministry, visited Dhaka for the first high-level discussions since Hasina’s ouster. Ahead of Misra’s arrival, Bangladesh’s de facto foreign minister, Touhid Hossain, acknowledged a “qualitative shift” in bilateral relations, emphasizing the need for a constructive path forward.
During his visit, Misra was scheduled to meet with both Hossain and Yunus. Meanwhile, Yunus’s administration has condemned recent violence against the Hindu minority, which has drawn ire from India, particularly following the arrest of a prominent Hindu priest on sedition charges. This incident has fueled calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s supporters for a tougher stance against Bangladesh.
While Yunus has denounced the attacks on Hindus, he asserts that many incidents are politically motivated rather than religiously driven. He also criticized India for allegedly exaggerating the situation and waging a “propaganda campaign” against his government.
The recent political climate has sparked numerous anti-India protests in Bangladesh. On Sunday, activists from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, demonstrating against a previous incident involving Hindu activists attempting to storm a Bangladeshi consulate in India. The protest concluded peacefully after police blocked their route.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, the future of Bangladesh-India relations hangs in the balance, with both nations navigating the complexities of regional politics.
+ There are no comments
Add yours