India To Raise Issue Of Attacks On Hindus, Other Minorities In Bangladesh During Foreign Secretary Misri's Dhaka Visit Tomorrow

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to discuss India's concerns regarding the recent violence against Hindus and other minorities during his one-day visit to Bangladesh on Monday (9 December).

This marks the first high-profile visit from India following the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August after a massive uprising.

During his 12-hour trip to Dhaka, Misri is scheduled to engage in extensive discussions with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and meet Mohammad Touhid Hossain, the acting foreign minister.

Additionally, he is likely to call on interim government's leader Muhammad Yunus.

Bangladesh is expected to voice its apprehensions regarding India's sheltering of Sheikh Hasina.

Last month, Yunus said his government will seek Hasina's extradition from India.

India-Bangladesh relations have faced significant challenges since Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India after widespread anti-government protests in August.

Yunus was appointed as the chief advisor of the Interim Government by the Bangladesh military days after Hasina was forced to flee the country.

Tensions have escalated further in recent weeks due to increased attacks on Hindus and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.

A series of violent incidents targeting Hindus and other minorities, including attacks on temples in Bangladesh over the past weeks, has raised serious concerns in New Delhi.

"Our position on the matter is very clear -- the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 29 November.

"We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities," he said.

India expressed hope that the sedition case against Bangladeshi monk Chinmoy Krishna Das would be handled in a fair, just, and transparent manner.

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