Environment Adviser to the interim government Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said Bangladesh has expressed its “unease” to India about statements made by a former Bangladesh prime minister from that country aiming at “creating tension”.
“We made our position on this issue very clear,” she said while briefing journalists on the outcome of a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian External Affairs Secretary Vikram Misri in Dhaka.
India, on their part, reiterated their interest in strengthening and advancing relations with Bangladesh, she added.
The Indian delegation also clarified that their government is not responsible for the activities of certain media outlets or organisations spreading misleading narratives about Bangladesh, she further said.
Rizwana said India assured Bangladesh of their commitment to increasing the issuance of visas to Bangladeshis.
Regarding the recent attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, she said India expressed regret over the incident after Dhaka protested.
“Since they have now expressed a commitment to advancing bilateral relations with the interim government, we are assuming that their earlier regret remains consistent.”
On the issue of Sheikh Hasina, Rizwana said there were no new discussions about her extradition from India.
On propaganda against Bangladesh, she said the Indian government reiterated that such activities are not supported or endorsed by their administration.
Rizwana said in the meeting with the chief adviser, both sides emphasised their eagerness to strengthen bilateral relations.
India closely monitored the events of July and August in Bangladesh and expressed their awareness of the situation, she said.
From Bangladesh’s side, the government reiterated its desire to see SAARC play a stronger role and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation within BIMSTEC, she added.
Additionally, Bangladesh raised concerns about the ongoing misinformation campaigns aimed at damaging Bangladesh’s reputation as a nation of harmony, she further said.
Daily Star
