New Delhi: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to visit Dhaka on December 10.
Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have been thorny since August 5 this year, after former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took shelter in New Delhi following a public uprising.
The bi-lateral relationship turned out to be even bitter after the arrest of a Hindu monk last week in Bangladesh.
The arrest of the Hindu monk by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus set off protests in India by activists from Hindu organizations, including members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On Monday, protesters forced their way into the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala and vandalised it.
Hours later, hundreds of students and activists protested in Dhaka against the storming of the diplomatic mission.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s proposed visit marks the first high-level engagement between the two neighbours since Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government.
While New Delhi has yet to officially confirm the visit of the Foreign Secretary, sources in the South Block suggest that preparations are underway for the crucial visit to Dhaka.
Though the sources did not have much detail on New Delhi’s message to Dhaka during the Foreign Secretary’s visit, it is presumed that it is primarily going to be an to end the diplomatic hostilities.
The crucial visit is also likely to address several pressing bilateral concerns, including trade, visa policies, and the ongoing development projects.
New Delhi is likely to raise the issue of safety and security of the minority Hindus in Bangladesh.
If Vikram Misri’s visit proceeds as planned, it could feature a significant meeting with Yunus, underlining efforts to restore the strained relations between the two countries.
The Bangladeshi government has expressed optimism, viewing the visit as a platform for dialogue and normalisation of ties.
Both sides are under pressure to de-escalate tensions and reinforce their partnership.
This visit, if confirmed, could play a pivotal role in addressing shared challenges and strengthening regional stability.
