Mon Dec 09 14:12:59 UTC 2024: ## India Raises Concerns Over Bangladesh Minority Attacks After High-Level Meeting
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – India expressed serious concerns to Bangladesh’s interim government today over recent attacks targeting religious minorities, following a high-level meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Bangladeshi officials. The meeting, the first since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, aimed to address strained bilateral ties.
Mr. Misri conveyed India’s regret over attacks on religious institutions and places of worship, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and welfare of minorities. He described the discussions as “frank, candid, and constructive,” stating that they allowed both sides to assess the current state of their relationship.
While Bangladesh’s interim government maintains the violence was a reaction to the ousted Hasina regime and not religiously motivated, India highlighted its worries about the escalating incidents of mob violence, vandalism, and the prosecution of Hindu priests. The discussions also covered India’s desire for a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh.
Mr. Misri’s visit, which included meetings with both his Bangladeshi counterpart, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin, and Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain, underscores the seriousness with which India views the situation. The deteriorating relationship between the two countries follows a period of increased violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing crackdown on those perceived as associated with the ousted government.
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