Delhi wants to continue working with interim govt: Pranay Verma

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma has stated that Delhi intends to continue working with Bangladesh’s interim government.

He made this statement on Wednesday after a meeting with the interim government's Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

This was the Indian High Commissioner's first meeting with Touhid Hossain since the latter assumed his role as Foreign Adviser to the interim government. He had previously attended a briefing.

Speaking to reporters, the Indian High Commissioner said, "Today's meeting was merely a courtesy call without any specific agenda. India wishes to continue working with the interim government in the interest of the people of both countries."

He also expressed hope that the mutual relations between the two nations would remain strong.

However, Pranay Verma did not respond to questions regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a press release on the meeting.

According to the release, the Adviser provided a comprehensive overview of the current situation in Bangladesh to the Indian High Commissioner during the meeting.

He described the recent mass uprising, led by courageous students, as the country's "second liberation," which culminated in a victorious struggle against authoritarianism and inequity.

He highlighted that the interim government, headed by Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, was established at the request of the people and is focused on restoring law and order, stabilizing the economy, and implementing significant reforms.

These efforts aim to transition Bangladesh towards a more inclusive and pluralistic democracy, culminating in free, fair, and participatory elections.

The Adviser expressed his gratitude to the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their good wishes on the new government’s responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations, particularly through more people-centric engagements.

Key issues such as stopping border killings, concluding the Teesta Water sharing agreement, and ensuring a steady supply of essential commodities were also discussed.

Verma echoed these sentiments, expressing India’s desire to continue working with Bangladesh’s interim government in the days ahead. He conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s best wishes and reiterated India’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The Adviser addressed recent exaggerated media reports about events in Bangladesh.

He also commented on statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, noting that such remarks do not contribute to positive bilateral relations.

The Adviser reaffirmed the interim government’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all communities within Bangladesh, including religious and ethnic minorities.

He also said that any acts of violence or intimidation against these groups would not be tolerated, a commitment shared by all political parties and religious groups in the country.