'India ties solid, Hasina's remarks raising tensions': Yunus
What's the story
Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Dhaka on Monday.
Yunus, during the meeting, called the Bangladesh-India relationship "very solid" and "close."
The meeting comes amid a spate of attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina's government fell in August.
Tensions rise
Yunus expresses concern over Hasina's statements
Yunus also expressed concern over statements made by Awami League chief and ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has taken shelter in India.
"Our people are concerned because she is making many statements from there. It creates tensions," Yunus told Misri.
He assured Misri that the interim government is committed to protecting all citizens' rights regardless of creed, color, ethnicity, or gender.
Diplomatic engagement
Misri's visit marks 1st high-level diplomatic engagement
Notably, Misri's visit to Dhaka was the first high-level diplomatic engagement since the Yunus-led interim government assumed office on August 8.
The talks also touched upon recent unrest in Bangladesh, including the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Misri stressed India's desire to enhance engagement with Bangladesh's interim government, saying India had doubled the number of visas for Bangladeshi citizens last month and plans to increase them further.
Bilateral relations
Misri clarifies India's stance on bilateral relations
Misri clarified India's relationship with Bangladesh isn't tied to any party.
He reiterated India's commitment to a democratic and stable Bangladesh, conveying concerns over minority safety and welfare during his meetings with Yunus and other Bangladeshi officials.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jashim Uddin described attacks on minorities as an internal matter but flagged "misinformation" in Indian media.
He raised concerns over Hasina's presence in India and her statements, while Misri assured Hasina's presence wouldn't affect bilateral relations.
Development cooperation
India's development cooperation aims to benefit Bangladesh
Further, Misri highlighted India's support for a peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh.
He noted that India's development cooperation aims to benefit the people of Bangladesh through connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity-building initiatives.
Misri also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first foreign leaders to greet Yunus after he assumed office.