India has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, according to Pranay Verma, the
"We will maintain the relationship we have with Bangladesh," said the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (14 August).
However, the Indian diplomat refrained from making any comments regarding Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following her ouster.
"This was merely a courtesy meeting. There was no set agenda. India wishes to continue working with the interim government in the interests of the people of both countries," Verma added.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has stressed some key issues with India like stopping “border killing, the conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, and ensuring the supply of essential commodities.”
He said Bangladesh wants to work closely with India to promote bilateral relations and stressed on more "people-centric engagement" in the upcoming days.
The interim government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections, said the adviser.
He thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the good wishes extended to the chief adviser on his assumption of his new responsibilities.
The foreign affairs Adviser also mentioned a highly exaggerated media campaign about happenings in Bangladesh.
About former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, he said that such statements emanating from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations.
He mentioned that the government is pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not tolerate any violence or intimidation against them.
He added that all religious groups and other political parties are also working to ensure the safety and security of the minorities.
During the meeting, the adviser for foreign Affairs briefed the high commissioner about the current situation in Bangladesh. He mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students.
The combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest to end discrimination and inequities.
The fearless student movement against a discriminatory public service recruitment system soon morphed into a nationwide revolutionary struggle to establish a rules-based, just, fair and inclusive society.
