India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Dhaka on December 9, 2023, amid growing concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu community. The visit is a part of the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two neighbouring countries, aimed at discussing bilateral relations and addressing ongoing issues, including recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

Foreign Secretary’s Visit to Dhaka

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will travel to Bangladesh for the Foreign Office Consultations scheduled for December 9. These consultations are part of the regular structured interactions between India and Bangladesh, which are intended to strengthen diplomatic ties and address various issues of mutual concern.

Jaiswal stated that the visit will focus on enhancing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas such as security, trade, and regional stability. The visit comes at a time of heightened diplomatic attention due to the strain in bilateral ties following incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

Concerns Over Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh

India’s relations with Bangladesh have been strained in recent months, particularly due to a series of attacks on religious minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. India has voiced serious concerns over the rise in extremist rhetoric and the increasing violence against the Hindu community, with multiple incidents of attacks reported across the country.

These concerns have been exacerbated by the actions of the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, which has faced criticism from India regarding its handling of such issues. India has called on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and protection of minorities and to take swift and decisive action against perpetrators of violence.

India’s Position on Hindu Monk’s Arrest

One of the most significant issues that have drawn India’s attention is the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained in Dhaka last month in connection with a sedition case. India has expressed concern over the arrest and reiterated its expectations that the legal process in Bangladesh should be fair, just, and transparent.

Spokesperson Jaiswal emphasized that India expects the relevant legal processes in Bangladesh to be executed in full respect of the legal rights of the individuals involved. India has been vocal about its hopes that the case of Das would be handled impartially, with full adherence to the rule of law.

The Diplomatic Strain Between India and Bangladesh

The increasing attacks on minorities and the controversial arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das have put significant strain on the diplomatic relationship between India and Bangladesh. India has repeatedly urged Bangladesh to uphold its responsibility to protect all citizens, particularly minorities, and to ensure that incidents of violence are properly addressed.

The rise in violence against Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh has sparked a broader debate about the treatment of minorities in the country. India has raised its concerns in various diplomatic channels and called for accountability and justice for the victims of such attacks.

India’s Call for a Fair Legal Process

India’s response to the issues surrounding minority rights and the legal proceedings against Chinmoy Krishna Das highlights the country’s commitment to human rights and its expectation that Bangladesh will follow due process. India has been clear in its stance that the legal process for Das should not only be transparent but also fair, ensuring that all the rights of the accused are protected under the law.

Vikram Misri’s visit to Dhaka marks an important moment in the diplomatic relationship between India and Bangladesh. While the visit is focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, it comes at a time of tension, as India seeks to address concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and the fair treatment of those involved in legal issues, such as the case of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The diplomatic dialogue between the two countries will likely centre on not only regional security and trade but also on ensuring that human rights and the protection of minorities remain a central focus in future interactions. The outcome of these consultations will be critical in shaping the future trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations.