Sun Nov 17 16:37:48 UTC 2024: ## India-Bangladesh Ties Remain Strong Despite Political Turmoil, Says Envoy

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH –** India’s High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma, asserted Sunday that India-Bangladesh relations remain robust despite recent political upheaval in Bangladesh. His comments follow the interim government’s demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, a request that could strain bilateral ties.

Verma, speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conference, highlighted the continued success of joint projects in energy and transportation, including the recent inauguration of a Nepal-Bangladesh power line via India. He emphasized that the strong economic and people-to-people connections between the two nations demonstrate the multifaceted nature of their relationship, exceeding any single issue.

Verma lauded Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to counter-terrorism, stating that its “zero-tolerance” policy has been crucial for bilateral cooperation and prosperity. He stressed that a strong and prosperous Bangladesh is vital for India, and vice-versa.

However, the relationship has faced challenges. India has expressed concerns over the safety of minorities, particularly the Hindu community, in Bangladesh, and has urged the interim government to take strong measures to ensure their protection. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus have spoken, a formal meeting is yet to occur, possibly taking place in April 2025. A visit by India’s Foreign Secretary to Dhaka is also anticipated.

Yunus, in a televised address, reiterated his government’s intention to seek Hasina’s extradition to face trial for alleged involvement in the crackdown on student protesters. India maintains that Hasina’s presence in India is temporary, due to security concerns in Bangladesh. No formal extradition request has been received by India. Despite these points of friction, Verma expressed confidence that the strong interdependence and mutual benefits between the two nations will endure.

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