External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar voiced concern in Parliament on Friday over the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh amidst ongoing challenges in the country.
He described violence against minorities in Bangladesh as a “source of concern.”
“With regard to the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, it has been a source of concern. There have been multiple incidents of attacks on them. We have drawn our concern to their attention. Recently, the Foreign Secretary visited Dhaka, and this subject came up during his meeting. It is our expectation that, in its own interest, Bangladesh would take measures so that its minorities are safe,” Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar was responding to a question from AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Parliament. Owaisi asked, “We have committed USD 10 billion to the development of Bangladesh. What steps has this government taken to ensure that Hindus and temples in Bangladesh are protected?”
During his visit to Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters in Dhaka, “We discussed recent developments and conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. We also discussed regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural and religious properties. I emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh.”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday briefed members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on the ‘Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship’ and conveyed that the neighbouring country has assured action against perpetrators of violence against minorities, sources said.
“Certainly we hope that with the new dispensation in Bangladesh, we will settle down to a mutually beneficial and stable relationship”, added Jaishankar.
The EAM also spoke about India-Myanmar ties. Responding to MP Owaisi on the steps being taken to stop drugs entering India from Myanmar, EAM said, “Because of the very disturbed conditions in Myanmar, we have had to review the open-regime policy which has historically been there”.
“We are sensitive to the requirements of the border communities. Most of what we need to address is on our side of the border due to limited government authority on the other side. There is a much greater presence now to secure our borders and monitor movement across them,” Jaishankar added.
During the Parliament session, EAM also spoke about other important foreign policy aspects of India such as India’s Neighbourhood First policy, and relations with China and Pakistan.
Jaishankar also addressed the issue of Nepal printing new currency notes that depict Indian territories.
“Our position regarding our borders is very clear. If there is any expectation among our neighbours that such actions will lead to changes in India’s position, they should be clear that this is not the case. I’m sure the entire House agrees with me,” he remarked.
(ANI)
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