HASINA NO BEARING ON TIES, DHAKA TOLD

Indian Foreign Secretary voices concern over minorities

India expressed its concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and reiterated its desire for a "positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial" relationship during talks between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his counterpart, Jashim Uddin, in Dhaka on Monday.

"I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties," Misri told reporters.

Dhaka responded by urging New Delhi not to interfere in Bangladesh's internal affairs. "We also highlighted that all religions in Bangladesh are practiced freely, and there is no room for confusion or misrepresentation. The Bangladesh government has invited foreign journalists to observe the situation on the ground," the Bangladeshi side stated.