Bangladesh-India Foreign Secretary (FS) meeting scheduled to be held in Dhaka is expected to heal the bilateral relations between two neighbouring countries that suffered a hiccup after Sheikh Hasina, the trusted partner of Indian Prime Minister Norendra Modi, quit the power through student movement on August 5, 2024, said diplomats, business leaders, policymakers. 

Sheikh Hasina, the long-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh, stepped down on August 5, 2024 and left the country amid massive student protests, leaving the economy of Bangladesh into a total mess.

The protection of minorities, water sharing, border killing, visa, Indian Line of Credit projects and people to people relations are expected to dominate the FS level talks, sources in Dhaka and New Delhi said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian politicians are concerned over the protection of minorities and Indian investment and establishments in Bangladesh after dictator Sheikh Hasina was ousted through a massive student movement.

The arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das and murder of Chittagong Judge Court lawyer Advocate Saiful Islam Alif in Chittagong have created high tension between Dhaka and New Delhi.

The Indian interest of holding FS level meeting in Dhaka is one positive signal that New Delhi has an intention of giving total legitimacy to the interim government and regrouping and rebuilding the relations, said a senior Bangladesh diplomat who worked in East Asia, Asia Pacific and USA as a top level diplomat.    

He said that Bangladesh will also raise the issue of visa that the High Commission of India has almost stopped violating the international norms.  

The border killings by the Border Security Force (BAF)  has dropped during the period of the interim government of Professor Dr Mohammed Yunus as Dhaka raised a strong voice over the issue.

The subservient ‘Foreign Policy’ of Bangladesh, specially during tenure of Bangladesh Awami League and interim government during 2007-2008 gave the neighboring country an upper hand  over Bangladesh over national and regional issues, said a Bangladesh diplomat who served one of the powerful nations in recent years.

He said the urban educated class in Bangladesh hardly raise voice on national, regional and international issues if that goes against the interest of India and the USA.

Time has come to raise voice on national and regional issues with a view to protecting the interest of the country, said the senior Bangladesh diplomat.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her tenure (2009-2023) basically served the interest of India ignoring the interest of Bangladesh, said a Mofa official.  

Meanwhile, the healing of relations between Dhaka and New Delhi suffered a hiccup as Indian politicians, diplomats and civil society members have issued statements into the internal issue of Bangladesh, said a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and India are preparing for a high-level Foreign Secretary meeting in Dhaka next month, with discussions likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India.

At the Foreign Ministry's weekly briefing, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing Toufique Hasan confirmed that an inter-ministerial meeting has already taken place to coordinate preparations for the upcoming talks.

The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) is scheduled to be held early December in Dhaka.

“There is scope for discussion on the matter (extradition of Sheikh Hasina),” Hasan said at a weekly media briefing.

Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka on August 5 and has been residing in India since then, is facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising.

While the government intends to bring her back, Hasan emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received any formal directive to initiate the extradition process.

“We will engage with Delhi and begin the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,” he clarified in response to queries.

The FOC will be led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Regarding the review of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, Hasan noted that these fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh.

“Consultations with all relevant stakeholders are crucial, and implementing any measure will take time,” he said, adding that although there has been limited progress over the past 100 days, there is hope for “significant progress” in the coming months.

On the topic of Indian visas, Hasan confirmed that the Indian Visa Center is operational but is currently prioritizing medical and student visa applications.

He also addressed the issue of negative media campaigns in certain Indian outlets against Bangladesh.

Concerning direct air travel between Dhaka and Karachi, Hasan informed that Pakistan had submitted a request to resume connectivity.

“The matter is under review and has been forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Aviation,” the Foreign Ministry official added, noting that updates will be provided in due course.

Bangladesh is likely to discuss the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the upcoming Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultation (FOC)scheduled for early December in Dhaka.

“There is scope for discussion on the matter,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Taufique Hasan said during a weekly media briefing at the ministry today.

Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since August 5 after fleeing Dhaka, is facing trial in the International Crimes Tribunal over allegations related to mass killings during the July-August uprising.

In this connection, Hasan said that the foreign ministry has yet to receive any official directive to begin Sheikh Hasina’s extradition process.

“We will engage with Delhi and initiate the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,” he said in response to queries about the matter.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and his Indian counterpart Vikram Misri will lead their respective delegation to the FOC, which will cover wide range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of Sheikh Hasina.

Regarding the review of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the two nations, Hasan said these agreements fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh.

“Consultations with all relevant stakeholders are essential, and implementing any steps will take time,” he noted, adding that while progress has been limited over the past 100 days, there is optimism for “significant progress” in the coming months.

Responding to questions about Indian visas, Hasan said the Indian visa center is operational but is currently prioritizing medical and student visa applications.

He highlighted that India has cited staff shortages as a challenge and expressed the hope for a quick resolution.

The spokesperson also addressed negative media campaigns in certain Indian outlets against Bangladesh.

“This issue has been brought to the attention of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, and the Indian authorities have been informed that such narratives are undesirable given the mutual relationship between the two nations,” Hasan said.

Meanwhile, Dhaka termed the statement, issued by the Indian external affairs ministry, over arrest of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das as "unfounded" and "not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighboring countries".

"The (Indian) statement also does not reflect the harmony that exists among the peoples of all faiths and the commitment and the efforts of the government and the people in this regard," said a press release issued by the foreign ministry.

The foreign ministry said the attention of the Bangladesh government has been drawn to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India to the media today (26 November 2024) on a matter concerning "internal affairs of Bangladesh".

 "It also completely disregards that the Government of Bangladesh is determined to conclusively end the culture of impunity to the perpetrators of gross human rights violations against the people of Bangladesh, thus treating the religious majority and minorities alike," read the foreign ministry's press release.

Bangladesh, it said, reaffirmed in the strongest terms that every Bangladeshi, regardless of his or her religious identity, has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals and practices or express views without hindrance.

"Ensuring safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities remains a duty of the Government of Bangladesh," said the release, adding that it was vindicated by the peaceful observance of Durga Puja throughout Bangladesh only last month.

The foreign ministry said that the Bangladesh government noted with utter dismay and deep sense of hurt that the arrest of Das has been misconstrued by certain quarters since he has been arrested on specific charges.

"The Government of Bangladesh would like to reiterate that the country's judiciary is fully independent and it does not interfere in the work of the judiciary. The matter under question is at present being dealt with by the court of law," read the release.

Bangladesh government, it said, is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country while it is deeply concerned over the brutal killing of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif this afternoon in Chattogram.

Meanwhile, Chief Adviser (CA) Press Wing Facts called false some Indian media reports over slain Chattogram lawyer Saiful Islam Alif claiming that he was representing Chinmoy Krishna Das.

In a Facebook post yesterday, it said some Indian media are claiming that lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, who was brutally murdered in Chattogram, was representing Chinmoy Krishna Das but the claim was false and was being spread with malafide intention.

"The vakalatnama produced by Chinmoy Krishna Das to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court has shown that advocate Subasish Sharma is his lawyer. We request everyone to refrain from any provocative, false report," the post read.

Meanwhile, the political and security issues still dominate Dhaka–New Delhi relations over social and economic issues since the ouster of dictator of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, said diplomats, policy makers and business leaders.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi patients spend 2.00-3.00 US dollars in medical expenses in different hospitals in India per year. India has squeezed the regular visa process since July 2024 with no sign of normalizing this year, sources in Dhaka, Kolkata, Bombay and New Delhi said.  

Though the data of Bangladeshi tourist arrivals in India during the July-November  period are not available, Bangladesh secured the top position during the first six months of this year (2024), according to data of the Union Tourism Ministry of India.

During the first six months of this year (2024), India welcomed nearly 4.78 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs), with Bangladesh and the US being the top source countries, according to data available from the Union Tourism Ministry.

This reflects a 9.1 per cent increase from the same period in 2023, although it still trails pre-pandemic levels from 2019, which recorded over 5.29 million FTAs.

According to the data on the percentage share of FTAs in India during January-June 2024, among the top five source countries were -- Bangladesh (21.55 per cent), the US (17.56 per cent), the UK (9.82 per cent), Canada (4.5 per cent) and Australia (4.32 per cent).

Former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA and incumbent President of the Bangladesh Economic Enterprise (BEI) M Humayun Kabir while talking to the correspondent said that New Delhi should understand the mindset of the Bangladesh youth in relations with Dhaka in the new perspective.

Meanwhile, Shahidus Sadeque, Director Operations at Holiday Inn Dhaka City Center, while talking to The Dazzling Dawn said he needs to visit India to have treatment of his wife at the Indian hospital. As the High Commission of India in Bangladesh is not issuing medical visas at previous level (that was in practice during the regime of Sheikh Hasina), the treatment of his wife is delayed.

Meanwhile, regarding a recent statement by India regarding security concerns for Hindus, Bangladesh has issued a response stating that the government finds such allegations baseless and assertions uncalled for.

"The interim government would like to reassure the international community that it continues to do its best to uphold the long standing secular and inclusive credentials of the people of Bangladesh," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  recently.

Meanwhile,  Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus called upon the country's people to remain calm amid the ongoing situation, saying the student-people and all, including the Hindu-Muslim, irrespective of their religions must stay united.

He made the call when a five-member delegation of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met him at the State Guest House Jamuna in the city.

About the outcomes of the meeting, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told journalists that Chief Adviser Prof Yunus urged the countrymen to remain calm and convoyed a message of peace and national unity.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today called upon the people to remain patient and calm in the current situation of the country.

"Give the government a little more time. Show a little more patience. Stay calm. Keep a careful and vigilant eye on the situation,” he said in a statement on the current political context, according to a press release of BNP.

Tarique Rahman urged all irrespective of party affiliation, religion, or caste to overcome the obstacles of the conspirators prudently. Otherwise,  the freedom-loving people will have to pay heavy price, he said.

The BNP acting chairman said that a volatile situation has been prevailing across the country due to placing of demands by the people who were deprived of their rights for long as well as the vengeance of fugitive dictator in post-uprising period.

Tarique Rahman said that the recent events in Dhaka and other parts of the country should not be seen as isolated incidents.

He expressed concern over the growing activities of those who are destabilizing the state’s stability, calling it alarming.

Using the movement as a shield, the conspirators have indulged in mischievous attempts to create anarchy in the country by mixing with the agitators, he claimed.

He alleged that conspirators are using the issues related to people's rights to hatch conspiracy.

Tarique Rahman said a coordinated attempt to create chaos across the country is becoming evident gradually with growing signs of intolerance among the public.

Meanwhile,  Rangpur district unit leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum (BNLF) today said that ISKCON is trying to destabilize the country and demanded immediate ban on the ‘terrorist organisation’.

Meanwhile, the  lawyers said that ISKCON, a cohort    of the ousted Awami League government, wants to create anarchy throughout the country and maintain its subservience to India. This ISKCON is a Hindu extremist organization.

“The ISKCON terrorists attacked the general public and lawyers in the Chattogram court, in that attack, they brutally killed lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in planned way chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans.

They said terrorists from Awami League's Chhatra League and Jubo League also participated in this attack vandalizing and causing anarchy in the court premises.

The speakers told Hindus to avoid ISKCON and move forward to build a prosperous Bangladesh by maintaining communal harmony. Like in the past, Hindus are still safe in this country and will remain so in future.

 They said that Bangladesh is the home of people of all religions, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and others.

But it is being noticed that after the fall of the ousted fascist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, anti-Bangladesh propaganda and various anti-state conspiracies are on.

As part of this, they have continued to destabilize the country through ISKCON. The lawyers want to move forward the country with brotherhood and communal harmony.

Terming the ISKCON as a radical and militant they demanded ban on the    organization as well as ensuring a speedy trial for the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif.

Meanwhile, expressing deep concern at the atmosphere of “insecurity” being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, the Indian Congress said the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das was the latest example.

The party called for the Government of India’s intervention into the matter.

Indian Congress’ chairman of the Media and Publicity (Communications Department), Pawan Khera in a statement said, “The Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISKCON monk is the latest example.”

He added the Congress expects the Government of India to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country.

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary and MP-elect Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a post on X wrote, “The news of the arrest of a saint of ISKCON Temple in Bangladesh and the continuous violence against minority Hindus is extremely worrying.”

She appealed to the Central government to intervene in the matter and raise the issue of ensuring the safety of minorities with the Bangladesh government.

The MEA said it was unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings.

In Bangladesh, the arrest of religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das alias Chinmayananda has drawn reactions from senior leaders of the Trinamul Congress (TMC), who described the incident as unfortunate.

Trinamul Congress national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee stated that the incident is regrettable and unacceptable, but he added that as it is an issue concerning a neighboring country, he cannot comment further. He said, “This is a matter for the Indian government, not the state. The Trinamul Congress will support whatever decision the Indian government takes. I cannot say more, but this incident in Bangladesh is absolutely unacceptable.”

Later, he submitted a memorandum to the Bangladeshi deputy high commission in Kolkata, demanding protection for Hindus in Bangladesh and the release of Chinmoy Krishna.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat from Nagpur last night urged all saints and Hindus to be united to fight for Chinmayananda and protection of Hindus in Bangladesh.