Bangladesh urges India to refrain from commenting on internal matters.

Bangladesh urges India to refrain from commenting on internal matters.

"Dhaka underscores the importance of building trust and confidence between the two countries and urges India to take an active role in countering negative propaganda against Bangladesh."

Bangladesh Reminds India to Avoid Commenting on Internal Matters Amid Discussions on Minority Safety

During the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between Bangladesh and India, Dhaka firmly reminded New Delhi that foreign comments on internal issues are inappropriate. This came amid India’s concerns about the safety and welfare of minorities in Bangladesh.

“We emphasized that this is an internal matter for Bangladesh and that foreign comments on such issues are not appropriate,” said Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. He added that Bangladesh refrains from commenting on the internal affairs of other nations and expects the same respect in return.

The discussions took place against the backdrop of strained relations following political changes in Bangladesh in August. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit is being viewed as an attempt to reset ties.

Addressing Misinformation and Trust Gap

Jashim Uddin dismissed recent reports on minority mistreatment as misinformation, urging India to counter false narratives in its media. He called on India to play an active role in preventing negative propaganda against Bangladesh. “We highlighted that all religions in Bangladesh are practised freely, and there is no room for confusion or misrepresentation,” he stated.

Bangladesh also invited foreign journalists to observe the situation firsthand, reiterating its commitment to religious harmony.

Desire for Stronger Bilateral Ties

The two nations discussed various aspects of their relationship, including trade, border issues, and water-sharing agreements. Bangladesh stressed the need to resolve the longstanding Teesta water-sharing issue and called for enhanced cooperation on border management, energy, and the Rohingya crisis.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

India’s Concerns and Forward-Looking Approach

While Vikram Misri raised concerns about minority safety and incidents involving attacks on cultural and religious sites, he emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue to address such issues.

“There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to serve the interests of both our peoples,” Misri said, expressing India’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh’s interim government.

Looking Ahead

The FOC served as an opportunity to take stock of bilateral ties and explore ways to strengthen them. Both sides expressed optimism about advancing their relationship and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and mutual respect.

The consultations underscored the importance of trust, respect, and collaboration in fostering a stronger partnership between India and Bangladesh.