Bangladesh-India
Bangladesh issues may feature in Modi-Trump talks, hints India
India has hinted that Bangladesh issues may come up for discussions during the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the context of regional situation.
"There will be discussions on the regional and international situation. I would imagine this might be one of the issues that will come up," said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri while responding to a question during a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
Describing recent incidents in Bangladesh, including vandalism of historic Dhanmondi-32 residence, the journalist wanted to know whether Prime Minister Modi is likely to discuss Bangladesh when he meets President Trump.
In reply, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, "As to whether the issue will come up in discussions in Washington, D.C., I can't prejudge right now."
Indian media involved in AL’s “orchestrated campaign” against Dr Yunus: Press Secretary
Prime Minister Modi will visit the United States at the invitation of the President of the United States of America.
He will pay an official working visit to the United States on 12th and 13th of February, said the Indian Foreign Secretary.
This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States since the inauguration of the second presidential term of President Donald Trump.
The Indian Foreign Secretary referred to the statement that they have made recently with regard to the incidents relating to the residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
No role in Hasina’s attributed remarks, clarifies India
"We would also like to point out that the safety of diplomatic premises is the responsibility of the host government and I have no doubt that the Bangladesh authorities are fully aware of their responsibilities in this regard," said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Bangladesh wants to establish a relationship with India that would ensure mutual benefits and secure both nations' interest and efforts are underway to that end, said the interim government.
Next govt to inherit both domestic policy challenges, growing external worries: Kugelman
4 days ago
Vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 residence should strongly be condemned: India
India has said the act of vandalism at the historic residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should be "strongly condemned.”
"It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed on February 5," said Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday.
Hasina’s “provocative remarks" fueled Dhanmondi-32 vandalism: Govt
All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh, he said.
Terming the vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 residence as unfortunate and unexpected, the interim government said it was manifestation of people’s anger incited by the "provocative remarks" made by fugitive Sheikh Hasina from India against the July uprising.
The interim government, in a statement on Thursday, urged India to ensure that its territory is not used to promote instability in Bangladesh and prevent Sheikh Hasina from issuing further remarks.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh lodged a strong protest with the government of India over the "false and fabricated comments and statements" continuously being made in different platforms, including social media by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, conveying the neighbouring country that these activities are "instigating instability" in Bangladesh.
Dhanmondi 32 residence being demolished with bulldozer
Bangladesh handed over a protest note to Indian acting High Commissioner Pawan Badhe, calling him to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told the media on Thursday.
6 days ago
BGB's firm stand forces India to halt border fence construction: Home Adviser
India has been compelled to halt the construction of barbed-wire fences along several border areas following the strong stance taken by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local residents, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on the Bangladesh-India border situation, the adviser said that India had initiated fencing work at five points along the border.
Mentioning that four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between the two countries regarding border demarcation and the responsibilities of respective border forces, he said, "These agreements stipulate that no defense-related construction or development work can be carried out within 150 yards of the zero line without mutual consent.”
The adviser mentioned that India has already fenced 3,271 kilometres out of the 4,156-kilometre border shared with Bangladesh, leaving 885 kilometres unfenced.
BSF obstructs reconstruction of mosque at Beanibazar border
He criticised the previous government for permitting certain actions by India that were against Bangladesh’s interests.
“From 2010 to 2023, India constructed fences in 160 locations, creating complications. Another 78 spots also face issues and recently, disputes have arisen at five locations, including Chapainawabganj, the Tin Bigha Corridor in Lalmonirhat, Patnitala in Naogaon, Feni, Kushtia, and Cumilla,” he said.
The adviser revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and the Indian High Commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. "Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities."
Tin Bigha Corridor Dispute
On the issue of the Tin Bigha Corridor, the adviser criticised the lack of reciprocity in agreements. "In 1974, Bangladesh handed over Berubari following the treaty, which was ratified by our Parliament. In return, India was supposed to provide us with permanent access to the Tin Bigha Corridor. While we fulfilled our part, India failed to ratify the agreement in their Parliament," he said.
BGB intervenes in BSF's attempt to build fence at Lalmonirhat border
Despite a 2010 agreement to ensure 24-hour access through the corridor, India constructed fences in the Angorpota-Dahagram area, violating the clause that prohibits construction within 150 yards of the zero line, he explained. “Legally, our ability to obstruct such actions is limited due to prior agreements. If we become overly assertive, India might retaliate by restricting access to the corridor,” he said.
The upcoming BGB-BSF director general-level meeting in February is expected to address these concerns, he said, adding, "We aim to resolve the disputes through discussions and formal communication, including a letter requesting the cancellation of previous unequal agreements."
Strengthening Border Security
When asked about measures to enhance border security, the adviser stressed that Bangladesh has ample resources and the support of its people. "The people are our greatest strength. Together with the BGB, we will overcome any challenges posed by India’s activities," he said.
‘Bullet fired from Indian side’ kills youth along Sunamganj border
On whether Bangladesh plans to annul the concessions granted by previous administrations, Jahangir Alam stated, "Our Director General will raise the issue during the February meeting. We will also formally request India to void the unfavorable agreements."
Despite the complexities, the adviser expressed optimism about resolving the disputes, crediting the vigilance of journalists and public awareness. "Media reports have been instrumental in prompting swift action. If not for your efforts, such issues might have escalated," he said.
1 month ago
Bangladesh-India FOC meeting held with focus on bilateral issues
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.
2 months ago
Bangladesh-India stalemate: Foreign Affairs Adviser sees path to resolution
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.
2 months ago
Bangladesh has no issue that should bar a foreign country to restrict visa: Rizwana
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.
3 months ago
Bangladesh turns down India’s baseless allegations
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.
3 months ago
532 mts of hilsa exported to India in 11 days against approval for 2420 mts
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.
4 months ago
Meghalaya ready to contribute to Bangladesh-India bilateral trade, Chief Minister says
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.
1 year ago
Bangabandhu's legacy remains a 'guiding light' for Bangladesh-India relationship: Pranay Verma
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.
1 year ago