Explaining deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that it was a ‘judicial legal process’ and required ‘engagement and consultations’ between the two governments.
‘We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,’ he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh at the Indian ministry of external affairs in New Delhi.
Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said that he did not think it would be constructive to say anything further at that point.
He said that they wanted to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. ‘We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,’
A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.
During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues. He acknowledged that there were some issues which are natural in any relationship.
The foreign secretary said that one important issue being closely watched not only in the region but also globally was the next steps in Bangladesh’s internal political process.
‘India is encouraged by the fact that Bangladeshi authorities themselves have spoken about a timeline for the elections and that India looks forward to their successful conduct,’ he said.
Responding to a question, Misri said that they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people.
He said that they wanted the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government would emerge.
Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian secretary said that they were only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.
‘We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don’t think there is anything else to say with regards to that,’ he said.
Misri said that India had a significant stake in the peace, progress, stability, and development of Bangladesh. ‘All of these issues are linked to regional stability, and we attach the highest importance to that — not just for ourselves but also because it serves our mutual interests.’
When asked about the possibility of elections excluding a major political party, Misri said, ‘I obviously cannot get into the middle of decisions made by authorities in Bangladesh.’
He added that it was not only a matter of internal legitimacy but also one of external perception. ‘These decisions will not just affect the present but will have implications in the medium to long term. Ultimately, it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide.’
He also mentioned that even after the events of July and August last year, India has continued to work with the authorities in Dhaka, despite the unusual nature of the current political arrangement.
When asked about Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, the foreign secretary said that he would not comment on Bangladesh’s relations with a third country.
He said that India’s approach toward Bangladesh had always been pragmatic. ‘The only point I would make is that for this engagement to be sustained and to serve as the basis for even stronger ties in the future, both sides need to work toward creating a conducive environment.’
The foreign secretary concluded by emphasising the importance of avoiding statements or actions that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, joint secretary for Bangladesh and Myanmar B Shyam, DCAB president AKM Moinuddin and general secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.
