Bangladesh and India on Monday held the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), exploring ways to address mutual concerns and take forward the relations in a changed scenario. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri led the Bangladesh and Indian delegations respectively at the FOC that began at 12:45pm. The Indian Foreign Secretary is likely to make a brief statement for the media after his meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain later today. There will be a separate briefing by Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 5:30pm. The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived on Monday morning to hold a several meetings in Dhaka, including the Foreign Office Consultations. Ishrat Jahan, Director General (South Asia wing) at the Foreign Ministry, received the Indian Foreign Secretary upon his arrival in Dhaka. Foreign Secretary Misri is also likely to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today.Adviser Hossain on Sunday expressed optimism that Bangladesh and India would be able to overcome the kind of stalemate that two neighbouring countries witnessed over the last couple of months. “We expect that we will be able to overcome this impasse. Establishing mutual communication and meeting each other are very important to overcome any such stalemate,” he said. Speaking at a seminar at the Jatiya Press Club, Hossain said it is also important to note that the relations between Bangladesh and India witnessed changes after August 5 and both sides need to try and take forward the relations accepting this changed reality. The downturn that the two countries witnessed over the last few months in terms of bilateral business activities affected both Bangladesh and India, not just Bangladesh got affected, said the Adviser. This is the first visit made by a senior Indian government official to Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, came to power on August 8. The FOC led by the Foreign Secretaries is a structured engagement between Bangladesh-India.Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said there are always efforts to keep all the elements of the bilateral relations on agenda.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday expressed optimism that Bangladesh and India would be able to overcome the kind of stalemate that two neighbouring countries witnessed over the last few months. “We expect that we will be able to overcome this impasse. Establishing mutual communication and meeting each other are very important to overcome any such stalemate,” he said, adding that Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is coming to Bangladesh on Monday. Speaking at a seminar at the Jatiya Press Club, Hossain said the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) is a standing mechanism and such a meeting at foreign secretary-level is nothing abnormal. “I hope they (foreign secretaries) will have a fruitful discussion,” said the Adviser, noting that it is important to acknowledge that there is a problem if they want to solve any problem. He said it is also important to note that the relations between Bangladesh and India witnessed changes after August 5 and both sides need to try and take forward the relations accepting this changed reality. The downturn that the two countries witnessed over the last few months in terms of bilateral business activities affected both Bangladesh and India, not just Bangladesh got affected, said the Adviser. He referred to the impacts that had on businesses in Kolkata and West Bengal. Bangladesh Chapter of the SAARC Journalists Forum hosted the seminar titled “The SAARC: People of South Asia Crave For” to commemorate the SAARC Day. SAARC Journalists Forum is a regional organisation of working journalists headquartered in Kathmandu. Former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintoo and strategic expert Brig Gen Hasan Nasir also spoke at the seminar.  Mostafa Kamal Majumder, former editor of The New Nation, delivered the keynote address. Govt warns of action against illegal foreigners in Bangladesh The Foreign Adviser said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is very sincere to revitalise the SAARC and the efforts to that end can begin with foreign-secretary level standing committee meeting of the SAARC. It might take some time to see the SAARC Summit take place and noted that SAARC remains relevant, he said. The Adviser urged the foreign journalists to take this message from Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh that they favour revitalising the SAARC, making it effective again. “Media have a big role to play.”  “SAARC is a forgotten word. If you can revitalise it, this will give dividends to the people of the whole region,” Chief Adviser Prof Yunus told Secretary General of SAARC Golam Sarwar recently. Amid strained ties and growing criticisms from both sides on post-August 5 issues, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is coming to Bangladesh on Monday to hold several meetings apart from attending the foreign secretary-level talks to address mutual concerns. This is going to be the first visit to be made by a senior Indian government official to Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, came to power on August 8. Foreign Secretary Misri and his Bangladesh counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, will lead their respective delegation at the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). "The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on the 9th of December. He will meet his counterpart, and there will be several other meetings during the visit," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. The FOC led by the Foreign Secretaries is a structured engagement between Bangladesh-India. "We look forward to this meeting," said the MEA spokesperson. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said there are always efforts to keep all the elements of the bilateral relations on agenda. "Discussion is underway." He, however, said there are some broad areas - trade, border management, connectivity, and water issues - and these will be discussed. "Maitri Diwas" a milestone, everlasting source of inspiration guiding Dhaka-Delhi ties: Pranay Verma Asked about the situation on the ground in Bangladesh and the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the MEA reiterated its hope that the legal rights of the concerned individuals are respected and the trial is conducted in a "fair and transparent" manner. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh wants good relations with India on a reciprocal basis. “It is very clear that we want good relations, but it should be reciprocal. We need to work to that end,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The FOC is likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India and visa issues. The last FOC, an institutional dialogue mechanism between the two foreign secretaries to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, was held in New Delhi on 24 November 2023. Both sides held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues covering border and security, trade, commerce and connectivity, cooperation in water, power and energy sectors, people to people ties and development cooperation in Bangladesh. They also exchanged views on sub, regional, regional and multilateral issues.  

The interim government on Thursday said there is no situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis, stressing that no other country has taken such restrictive measures. “I don’t think there is any situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis because no other country has done that,” Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Bangladesh condemns terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara She said the government of Bangladesh definitely wants a good and strong relationship with India but it is important in any relationship that the both sides “listen” to each other and “understand” each other. The Adviser said the fact is that the people of Bangladesh are “unhappy” about India following the restricted policy on visa and it is definitely something that the Indian government has heard. She mentioned what India has categorically been saying - till the situation is normalised. “I don’t think there is any situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis because no other country has done so.” The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, however, keeps on issuing only emergency medical visas. Rizwana said it is also very important for the government of Bangladesh to note that many of the people who had committed atrocities against the students and people are reportedly in India. “They have taken shelter in India.” “Perhaps, that is what India means by change in the situation. We don’t know. Because no other country – whether it is the US, Japan or European Union – have restricted visa policy for Bangladesh,” she added that it is perhaps something that India can rethink or reconsider. Responding to a question on minority issues, the Adviser said for the first time in the history of Bangladesh that the government listened to their demands and declared a two-day holiday for Durga puja. “We have categorically said our doors are always open for dialogue and discussions as they have other issues,” Rizwana said. She said if they opt for street agitations it indicates there is still need for more dialogue and discussion. “I strongly believe anything can amicably be dissolved through discussion.” Rizwana said she does not think any street demonstration is required and if there is any solution that has to come, that has to come from the government of Bangladesh and no other government will be able to do that. “Our doors are always open.” Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing.

Bangladesh has responded to a statement made by the Indian government, noting that Dhaka 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 on Monday. The ministry said the attention of the government has been drawn to a Statement by spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs of India on October 12, 2024 calling upon “….the Government of Bangladesh to ensure safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time.” The same statement also alleges “…a systemic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities…”. The Government of Bangladesh finds such allegations baseless and assertions uncalled for. Ensuring safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities, in Bangladesh remains a duty of the government of Bangladesh. Bangladesh committed to upholding its secular identity: Ministry Upholding the rights of every citizen regardless of one’s identity, religion or faith must be recognised as an internal affair of Bangladesh," Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said. There were just a handful of incidents reported on which the government authorities acted promptly in ensuring safety and security of Hindus and other minorities throughout the festival times, Dhaka said. Communal harmony and peaceful coexistence remains a time-honoured feature of liberalism and democracy in Bangladesh uniting all people. "The Government of Bangladesh attests in strongest terms that every individual regardless of his/her faith, religion or belief has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals or practices, without any hindrance," the ministry said. This was vindicated by peaceful observance of Durga Puja in over 32,000 Puja Mandaps that were spontaneously set up across Bangladesh. On the reported theft of a golden crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in the southern Bangladesh district of Satkhira on 10th October 2024, it had been confirmed that the head priest performed his regular puja rites until 2:30 pm (afternoon) till which time the crown was intact inside the temple. Investigations are underway to determine as to why the priest and temple staff left such a precious possession unguarded and insecure, the ministry added. Four people have already been arrested in connection with the theft case.

Bangladesh has exported 532 metric tonnes of hilsa to India in 11 days till Saturday night on the occasion of Durga Puja against this year’s export approval for 2420 mts. The government had permitted 49 companies to export 2,420 mts of hilsa during this period, but the actual quantity export between September 26 and October 12 was significantly lower. A total of 3.6 mts of hilsa was exported to India through Benapole land port until 10 pm on Saturday, the last day of this year’s export as the fishing window closed due to the government restriction ahead of the start of the breeding season. A 22-day ban on hilsa netting, hoarding and transportation was imposed from Saturday midnight . A total of 168 trucks carried the hilsa from Bangladesh’s Benapole port to India’s Petrapole port during the 11-day period. Hilsha selling like hot cake in wholesale market Each kilogram of hilsa was sold at $10, equivalent to approximately Tk 1,180. In total, the exports generated $532,000, or around Tk 6.28 crore. Despite the lower than expected exports, domestic prices of hilsa have continued to rise. On Saturday, hilsa weighing less than a kilogram was being sold at Tk 1,300 per kg in the Benapole market, while larger fish were selling between Tk 1,800 and Tk 2,000 per kg. In contrast, the same size hilsa exported to India is being sold at a price range of Tk 600 to Tk 800 per kg, raising concerns about price discrepancies between domestic and export markets. Aswadul Islam, Inspector of Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control at the Benapole Land Port, acknowledged the gap between export and domestic prices. He said the export rules had been set a few years ago and suggested that a price adjustment might be considered to address the disparity. According to the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh exported 665 mts of hilsa in the 2023-24 fiscal year, significantly below the permitted 2,420 mts. Previous years also saw missed targets, with 477 mts exported in FY 2019-20, 1,880 mts in FY 2020-21, 1,211 mts in FY 2021-22, and 1,376 mts in FY 2022-23. 

The state government of Meghalaya, of India, is keen to deepen economic and trade ties with Bangladesh. Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, discussed this when the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Md. Mustafizur Rahman, paid a courtesy call on him at his office on Wednesday. The Chief Minister apprised the High Commissioner about the opportunities and possibilities of expanding trade and commerce in the state of Meghalaya. Read more: 'Dhaka, Delhi satisfied over bilateral cooperation' In particular, he highlighted the possibility of direct import of garment, plastic and electronic products, processed food and frozen food from Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.    

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's legacy remains a "guiding light" for Bangladesh-India relationship and the driving force for India's steadfast partnership with Bangladesh on its journey towards progress and prosperity. The high commissioner and his wife visited Tungipara and paid tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his mausoleum Friday. Read more: Pranay Verma reaffirms India's commitment to development partnership, cooperation with Bangladesh The high commissioner also laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum to pay homage to Bangabandhu. In his written remarks at the mausoleum, Verma highlighted the importance of March in the history of Bangladesh and underlined Bangabandhu's vision for the development of the Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh partnership. Read more: Pranay Verma highlights importance of youth as "precious link" between Bangladesh, India The high commissioner also took a guided tour of the museum, which showcases Bangabandhu's life and legacy, and the supreme sacrifices that he made for the independence and progress of Bangladesh. Bangabandhu's fight for democracy, inclusivity and social justice continues to inspire people across the world, said Verma.

President of India Droupadi Murmu on Monday said Bangladesh occupies a special place in India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy and she looks forward to “stronger and deeper” cooperation between the two countries in all aspects in the coming days. Murmu recalled the joint celebrations of “Mujib Year” marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s War of Liberation and 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties. She made the remarks when newly appointed Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Mustafizur Rahman presented his credentials to the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Mentioning the immense political will to take forward the relations, Murmu recalled her recent meeting with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this September in New Delhi and later in London. She has also mentioned that Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia and highlighted the largest visa operations of India in Dhaka.  Read: Dictionary.com chooses `existential' as word of the year By welcoming and congratulating the new envoy, President Murmu has said that India-Bangladesh relations are bounded by language, culture, and history and the unique tie is forged in shared sacrifices. High Commissioner Rahman appreciated for the opportunity to present the credentials and conveyed greetings from Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The high commissioner has said Bangladesh remains grateful to the Government and people of India for extending their moral and material support during the War of Liberation fought under the leadership of Bangabandhu in 1971. The Indo-Bangladesh cooperation had, in fact, begun on the battlefield of 1971, he recalled. He said that the India-Bangladesh relation has reached a new height and it is described as a model of “neighbourhood relations”. The envoy assured the Indian President that he would try to further expand and consolidate bilateral cooperation. Read: Work together to keep 1971 legacy alive: Indian envoy at 'Maitri Alumni Reunion' He underscored Hasina’s persistent efforts to further promote regional and sub-regional cooperation on a win-win basis. He thanked the government of India for inviting Bangladesh to the G-20 Summit.  Rahman takes up his India assignment after serving as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices, WTO and other International Organizations in Geneva from 2020-22. He was also Bangladesh's ambassador to Switzerland.

Bangladesh media delegation has concluded its week-long visit to India with a series of meetings in multiple cities as part of the "Familiarisation Programme." The Ministry of External Affairs, India hosted the programme for the 20-member media delegation from July 14 to 21.  The media delegation returned home on Thursday night.  Bangladesh and India eye further strengthening the socio-economic and cultural ties between the two friendly countries.   

 Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has emphasised working with India and developing a better system for water management and regulations to avoid flood damages. "We have to work together; we have 54 rivers that come from India to Bangladesh. And right now when I am talking, I have a devastating flood in my own constituency in Sylhet. It came from Assam and Meghalaya," he told WION in an interview in New Delhi Saturday. Momen said they would like to share their expertise and data so that they have an early warning about this sort of disaster. "Before Pakistan was created, we used to have floods, but not as devastating as we have now," he said. The foreign minister is now in Delhi to co-chair the seventh meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar Sunday. Read: Sylhet: A city tries to cope with its worst flood in living memory During his conversation with WION, Momen said he would discuss the Rohingya issue with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. "If Bangladesh, India and Myanmar work together, we can resolve it. We can have a sustainable solution to it." Sunday's JCC meeting will be the first such physical meeting of the mechanism since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the previous edition taking place virtually in 2020. Momen said they have been supportive of Sri Lanka during the financial difficulty. "We provided funding of around $250 million, food, a gift of 25,000 tons of potato, and a few thousand tons of medicines. And we are ready to help them as much as we can."