Dhaka– Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said New Delhi wants Bangladesh to hold a free, fair, inclusive, and participatory election at the earliest possible time, emphasizing India’s readiness to cooperate with whichever government emerges from a democratic process.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, Misri made the remarks during an interaction with a 23-member delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi. The meeting was reported by the United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) B. Shyam, DCAB President A. K. M. Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md. Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present during the discussion.
Addressing questions about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India and its implications for bilateral relations, Misri described the matter as part of a “judicial legal process” requiring “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.
“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these matters,” Misri was quoted as saying by UNB.
Responding to a question about India’s perceived political leanings in Bangladesh, the Foreign Secretary dismissed the notion that New Delhi favors any particular group. “They should set aside the perception that we have a favorite or that we are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another,” he said.
During the nearly hour-long session, Misri also addressed a range of topics, including border management, water-sharing, and regional cooperation. He acknowledged that “some issues are natural in any relationship,” as reported by The Daily Star, one of Bangladesh’s leading newspapers. (Source: IANS)
