Thu Apr 03 18:09:59 UTC 2025: ## Modi and Yunus Share Dinner Amidst Concerns Over Bangladesh’s Stability

**Bangkok, Thailand** – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, shared a table at a dinner hosted by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the BIMSTEC summit. The unexpected seating arrangement comes amidst growing concerns from India regarding the deteriorating law and order situation and human rights violations in Bangladesh under Yunus’s leadership.

While the meeting was described as an opportunity for the two leaders to meet, it follows India’s repeated expressions of concern over the release of extremist elements and the perceived leniency towards Islamist groups since the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024. The Indian government has publicly voiced worries about attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus and Ahmadiyya Muslims, and the lack of thorough investigations into these incidents.

Bangladesh is set to assume the BIMSTEC chairmanship on Friday. Ahead of the summit, Bangladesh officials expressed hope for bilateral talks between Modi and Yunus, a sentiment echoed by Khalilur Rahman, Chief Advisor’s High Representative on Rohingya and Priority Issues. This hope comes despite a letter from PM Modi to Yunus, while congratulating Bangladesh on its National Day, emphasizing the need for “mutual sensitivity” regarding shared history, a subtle acknowledgement of the current tensions.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has consistently reiterated its support for a stable, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh and stressed the need for thorough investigations and the prosecution of those responsible for violence against minorities. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently reinforced this message, emphasizing the importance of Bangladesh not normalizing terrorism. The dinner meeting, therefore, represents a complex interplay of diplomatic efforts amidst significant concerns about the future of Bangladesh’s stability and human rights record.

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