India’s Foreign Secretary to visit Bangladesh to discuss minority safety, bilateral issues

Misri’s upcoming visit is expected to address these contentious issues, including the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

Amid strained relations, India announced on Friday that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Bangladesh on December 9 for "consultations." The visit follows New Delhi's appeal to Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities after reports of violence against them.

According to The Indian Express, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to visit Bangladesh for Foreign Office Consultations on December 9. This is part of our structured interactions with the Bangladesh side.”

The announcement comes in the backdrop of the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on sedition charges, an incident that has sparked protests and drawn criticism from India. Das, associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and a member of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote group, was detained at Dhaka’s main airport while traveling to Chattogram.

Arrest and Allegations

Das, who has led rallies demanding better security for Hindus, was charged with sedition after allegedly disrespecting the Bangladesh national flag during a rally in October. Following his arrest, he was denied bail and sent to prison, igniting protests by community members in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other locations.

As reported by The Indian Express, the MEA expressed “deep concern” over the arrest and denial of bail. The ministry stated, “We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote. This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson, looting, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples.”

The MEA added, “It is 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. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das.”

Dhaka's Response

In response, the Bangladesh government dismissed India’s concerns, terming them “unfounded” and an interference in the country's internal affairs. Dhaka stated, “Such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries.”

Misri's Visit and Broader Issues

Misri’s upcoming visit is expected to address these contentious issues, including the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The Indian Express reported that New Delhi has raised concerns about these matters previously, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting them in public statements and discussions with Bangladeshi leaders.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has also condemned Das’s arrest, called for his immediate release and demanded greater protection for minorities. She criticized the current interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, for failing to uphold security and religious freedoms, citing the recent murder of a lawyer in Chattogram as another example of deteriorating law and order.

Misri’s consultations in Dhaka will likely focus on these issues, aiming to reinforce bilateral ties while ensuring that minority safety and security remain a priority.