Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a meeting with Bangladeshi journalists, stated Monday that India is prepared to collaborate with whatever government emerges from a democratic election in Bangladesh, while addressing the sensitive issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India.
The statement came during an interaction with a delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), led by its President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun, who were present alongside the Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs.
Foreign Secretary Misri, speaking with the DCAB leaders and members, emphasized India’s commitment to a neutral and democratic process in Bangladesh. “We want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time,” he said.
“We are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election.”
Hasina’s stay in India termed a “Judicial legal process”
When questioned about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since last August, Misri described her status as part of a “judicial legal process.” He noted that the situation requires “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.
“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” Misri told the delegation. He however, declined to comment further, saying it would not be constructive.
The position contrasts with that of the current Bangladeshi government, which has stated it is awaiting a positive response from New Delhi on its formal request for Hasina’s extradition.
India rejects claims of political favoritism
During the wide-ranging discussion, which also covered border and water-sharing issues, Misri directly countered the perception that India favors any particular political party in Bangladesh.
Responding to questions from the DCAB delegation, he asserted, “We should set aside the perception that we have a favourite or we are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people.” He reiterated that India’s sole interest is in seeing the earliest possible expression of the people’s mandate through a democratic vote.
The DCAB delegation’s visit to India, which included the nearly hour-long interaction with the Foreign Secretary, was conducted at the invitation of the Indian government. Senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs were also present during the meeting.
