"India's Foreign Secretary Heads to Bangladesh for Key Consultations: What's at Stake?"

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that Vikram Misri is set to engage in 'foreign office consultations', signaling discussions aimed at enhancing diplomatic relations and addressing key international issues.

P24 News Media

December 07, 2024

1 minute

India

In light of recent tensions between the two neighboring nations, India has officially declared that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Bangladesh on December 9 for consultations. This visit comes shortly after India voiced concerns regarding the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh, following alarming reports of violence directed at them.

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, indicated that this upcoming meeting is part of the structured dialogue process between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open channels of communication. Jaiswal stated, “The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to visit Bangladesh for Foreign Office Consultations on December 9. This is part of our structured interactions with the Bangladesh side.”

The recent arrest of a Hindu monk, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, has heightened concerns in India. He was detained on charges of sedition, and subsequent court proceedings resulted in a denial of bail, prompting India to express its “deep concern” regarding the safety of Hindus and all minority communities in Bangladesh.

Last week, while addressing inquiries about this particular case, Jaiswal reiterated India’s position, stating, “We would like to reiterate our expectation that relevant legal processes underway in Bangladesh are executed in a fair, just and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of concerned individuals.”

Chinmoy Krishna Das, known for leading demonstrations advocating for the safety of Hindus, was apprehended at Dhaka’s main airport while en route to Chattogram in southeastern Bangladesh. The charges against him stem from an October incident where, during a rally in Chattogram, he was accused of showing disrespect toward the national flag. As a member of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group and affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), his arrest has sparked considerable unrest among community members across various locales, including Dhaka and Chattogram.

This scenario has ignited a series of exchanges between the governments of New Delhi and Dhaka. The Indian government was the first to express its discontent, with the Ministry of External Affairs articulating, “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.” The statement highlighted numerous documented incidents of arson, looting, and vandalism targeting minority communities, emphasizing the alarming trend of violence against them.

Moreover, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the fact that while those responsible for these attacks remain unpunished, a religious leader advocating for legitimate concerns through peaceful assembly has faced legal repercussions. The MEA further underscored their expectation for the authorities in Bangladesh to uphold the rights of all minorities to live in safety and to freely express their views.

In response to New Delhi's remarks, the Bangladeshi government characterized the situation as part of its internal affairs. They asserted that the allegations made by India misrepresented the reality on the ground and undermined the spirit of friendship between the two nations. This exchange marks yet another instance of India's increased focus on the security of Hindus in Bangladesh, a topic previously highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in various public engagements.

Additionally, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has publicly criticized the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and has called for his immediate release, reiterating the need for the protection of religious freedom and the safety of all communities within Bangladesh. Hasina has also demanded accountability for individuals involved in violent incidents, including the murder of a lawyer in Chattogram, asserting that the current government has faltered in providing adequate security for its citizens.