Bangkok/New Delhi, Apr 4 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Mohd Yunus in Bangkok today, during which he underlined the need to ensure the safety and security of Hindus in Bangladesh and tackle the growing extremism which is a threat to regional stability.
PM Modi also urged that “rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided”, in reference to the anti-India statements by members of the Yunus regime. And most recently during Chief Advisor Yunus’ visit to Beijing where he positioned Bangladesh as the “guardian of ocean access” for India’s “landlocked” Northeast region.
The meeting, that lasted half an hour, marked the first bilateral meeting between the leadership of the two sides since the formation of the army-backed Interim Government in Bangladesh in August last year, after the dismissal of the Sheikh Hasina government. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
PM Modi in a post on X said: “Met Mr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh.
“India remains committed to a constructive and people-centric relationship with Bangladesh.
“I reiterated India’s support for peace, stability, inclusivity and democracy in Bangladesh.
“Discussed measures to prevent illegal border crossings and expressed our serious concern for the safety and well-being of Hindus and other minorities.”
The MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post:
“PM @narendramodi met @ChiefAdviserGOB of Bangladesh on the margins of BIMSTEC Summit today in Bangkok.
“PM underlined India’s desire for constructive relations with Bangladesh based on mutual respect and sensitivity.
“PM also underlined the need to ensure the safety & security of Hindus in Bangladesh and tackle growing extremism which is a threat to regional stability.
“India will support advancement of the BIMSTEC agenda under Bangladesh’s incoming chairship.”
A statement said: Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.
“Enunciating India’s people-centric approach to the relationship, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism.
Prime Minister Modi “urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided”.
Referring to the border, he said that strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability.
The bilateral mechanism in this regard could meet as appropriate to review and take forward our ties, he added.
Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the Government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them. This is a concern that India has raised time and again with the Yunus regime, with the latter dismissing it as an exaggerated concern.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership. The leaders agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their long standing and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.
According to Bangladesh news site UNB, the Bangladesh Chief Advisor raised several issues with PM Modi including the extradition of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina, water sharing of common rivers, and border killings.
Briefing the Bangladeshi media, the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said “All issues of mutual interests were discussed. The meeting was very constructive, productive and fruitful,” according to UNB.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, Thailand, has been viewed as the most significant moment in the diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, since the July 2024 uprising which saw the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League administration.
During their meeting, the Chief Advisor presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi which saw him presenting a gold medal to the CA at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015.
The army backed regime of the Chief Advisor saw a marked downslide of diplomatic relations between the two countries due to attacks on the Hindu and minority communities, anti-India stance of several advisors in his government, and the rise of Islamic extremism.
While Dhaka has formally approached India on the issue of Hasina’s extradition, there has been no response on the issue by India.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a media briefing in Bangkok, said: "As far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned—and the reference that was made in that context from the Bangladesh side—yes, this matter was raised during discussions.
"As our spokesperson has already informed you earlier, we have indeed received a communication on this issue. At this point, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the subject."
FS Misri said that PM Modi "raised the issue of the condition of minorities in Bangladesh candidly during his conversation with Professor Muhammad Yunus.
"He conveyed India’s deep concern on the matter and highlighted the broader societal implications of these developments. The Prime Minister also made it clear that the responsibility for addressing these issues lies with the Government of Bangladesh. He expressed his hope that the government would fulfill its responsibilities with seriousness and ensure that these matters are properly investigated and addressed."
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