Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently met with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman to convey India’s greetings on his new role and reaffirm India’s support to Dhaka. The meeting took place during the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in Bangladesh. Representing India alongside Misri was Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
In a statement by the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, it was mentioned that Misri emphasized the people-centric nature of India-Bangladesh relations, while Rahman expressed optimism in further enhancing the ties. The Indian mission highlighted that Misri conveyed his greetings to Rahman and reiterated India’s enduring backing to Bangladesh, emphasizing the people-centric aspect of the relationship. Rahman, in turn, underscored the deep civilizational ties between the two nations and expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations.
During the recent parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, the Jamaat had committed to fostering peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring countries, including India, based on mutual respect and fairness. The elections, held concurrently with the referendum on the July National Charter, saw the BNP securing 209 parliamentary seats and the Jamaat-e-Islami winning 68 seats. Tarique Rahman, the BNP’s chairman, was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking the party’s return to power after nearly two decades and becoming the first male PM in 35 years. Despite not winning the elections, the Jamaat remains the largest Opposition party in the Parliament.
