Emphasising the importance of mutual respect and highlighting its policy of non-interference, Dhaka on Monday urged New Delhi to reciprocate by refraining from commenting on Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Ministry after the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with India, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said they emphasised that people from all religions living in Bangladesh have been practising their religion freely and there is no scope for any confusion or propaganda in this regard.
The Bangladesh government also invited foreign journalists to see and observe the real situation on the ground.
"We also said that this is our internal matter and it is not appropriate for other countries to comment on our internal matters," Jashim said, referring to the FOC with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
He conveyed Bangladesh’s concern on the recent violent incident on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala.
On minority issues, he said that the Bangladesh government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people of Bangladesh, irrespective of their faiths, religions and ethnicities and that it is an internal matter of Bangladesh.
Jashim raised issues including initiation of discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996, early conclusion of the Teesta water sharing agreement and water-sharing agreements of other common rivers, removal of trade barriers imposed on Bangladesh’s goods and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
Possible collaboration and cooperation to improve the flood forecasting & warning services was also discussed.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of bringing Indian visa services to normalcy to enhance the people-to-people connectivity.
He urged the Indian authorities to reconsider the release of Bangladesh nationals who have been repatriated to Bangladesh under the Agreement of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and who are currently serving jail terms in the prisons of Bangladesh.
Jashim said Bangladesh looks forward to support from India on the issue of the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.
He called for the revitalisation of SAARC and regional cooperation within the provisions of SAARC and BIMSTEC.
The FOC between Bangladesh and India was held at the State Guest House Padma.
The Indian Foreign Secretary met the Chief Adviser and Adviser for Foreign Affairs. The FOC provides a crucial platform for engaging in discussions to review various bilateral issues and explore new areas of mutual interests for the benefits of the two countries.
The two Foreign Secretaries discussed enhancing cooperation in various important areas including border and security, water sector, trade and commerce, and consular issues.
The two sides also discussed issues related to regional and multilateral cooperation.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim said that Bangladesh wishes to have constructive relations with India based on fairness, mutual respect and equity.
He also stated that Bangladesh is committed to advancing the relationship based on a 'people-centric approach, where the welfare of the peoples of both countries would be ensured.
Jashim said fostering trust and confidence among the people is crucial for the sustainability of the relationship.
The Foreign Secretary stressed that the issue of border killings undermines the spirit of friendly relations between the two neighbours and immediate resolution of the issue would significantly contribute to building necessary trust and confidence among the people of Bangladesh.
