Indian high commissioner Dinesh Trivedi expressed confidence that a meeting between Bangladesh prime minister Tarique Rahman and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi could help resolve outstanding bilateral issues.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Saturday that India cannot seek friendly relations with Bangladesh while allowing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to make statements from Delhi that he said undermine Bangladesh’s democracy.
India said Friday it does not endorse remarks made by former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders during an Aug. 5 media event in New Delhi.
India denied involvement Tuesday in a planned virtual address by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying the event was organized by a private media group.
Bangladesh has asked India to prevent former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and members of her banned Awami League from conducting political activities from Indian territory, according to details of a meeting between officials from the two countries.
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to address a virtual event in New Delhi on Wednesday, her first major public appearance since her government was toppled two years ago.
An Indian parliamentary committee has raised concerns about China’s growing presence in Bangladesh and urged New Delhi to expand development cooperation with Dhaka.
Bangladesh and India have agreed to reset bilateral relations based on sovereign equality and mutual interests, officials said after the newly appointed Indian high commissioner held his first courtesy meetings in Dhaka.
The body of an Indian national has remained in a hospital morgue in northern Bangladesh for nearly five years as legal complications, diplomatic procedures and his family’s reluctance have delayed its return or final rites.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Sunday that technology expert Nandan Nilekani will lead a high-powered task force charged with recommending reforms to the country’s examination system.
