More Stories

Informist, Friday, Apr. 4, 2025

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday met Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus along the sidelines of the BIMSTEC--The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation--Summit in Bangkok and raised the issue of condition of minorities in the neighbouring country. This was the first meeting between Modi and Yunus after the ouster of former prime minister of neighbouring country Sheikh Hasina in August last year. Yunus took over his caretaker role after Hasina's government was toppled by a mass student-led uprising.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the issue of Hasina's extradition to Bangladesh also came up during the meeting. "As far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned--and the reference that was made in that context from the Bangladesh side--yes, this matter (Hasina's extradition) 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," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a media briefing.

In December last year, Bangladesh had sent a diplomatic note to India seeking the return of Hasina for "judicial process". The International Crime Tribunal in Dhaka had issued warrants against Hasina for "crimes against humanity and genocide".

During the meeting, Modi raised concern related to the safety and security of minorities in the neighbouring country, including Hindus. He expressed his expectation that the Bangladesh government would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them.

Reiterating support for democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, Modi underlined India's desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on a spirit of pragmatism.

"Prime minister urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. End

Reported by Kuldeep Singh

Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury

For users of real-time market data terminals, Informist news is available exclusively on the NSE Cogencis WorkStation.

Cogencis news is now Informist news. This follows the acquisition of Cogencis Information Services Ltd by NSE Data & Analytics Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. As a part of the transaction, the news department of Cogencis has been sold to Informist Media Pvt Ltd.

Informist Media Tel +91 (11) 4220-1000

Send comments to feedback@informistmedia.com

© Informist Media Pvt. Ltd. 2025. All rights reserved.