Spokesperson Matthew Miller made this statement during a daily briefing...
The United States has urged India and Bangladesh to settle their differences through peaceful means. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made this statement during a daily news briefing on Tuesday.
"We want to see all parties resolve their disputes peacefully," Miller said in response to a question about India's foreign secretary's recent visit to Bangladesh.
"I highlighted India's intention to collaborate closely with the interim government of Bangladesh. At the same time, we had the opportunity to address certain recent developments and issues, and I expressed our concerns, particularly regarding the safety and welfare of minorities," Misri told reporters in Dhaka at the conclusion of his visit.
He also mentioned that both sides used the talks to review bilateral relations and that he emphasized India’s aim for a “positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship” with Bangladesh.
India views its relationship with Bangladesh as a “people-centric and people-oriented partnership,” with the “welfare of all people as its core motivating force,” he added.
India-Bangladesh relations have been tense since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down following large-scale protests led by student groups in August, which led to the formation of an interim government under Yunus.
Hasina sought refuge in India, while Yunus and other leaders of the caretaker government have called for her extradition.
The political vacuum created by Hasina’s removal saw attacks on Hindus and other minorities, as well as the burning and destruction of the Indian government-run Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka.
Several Indian states bordering Bangladesh, including West Bengal and Tripura, have witnessed protests by Hindu groups over the arrest of Das, who was charged with sedition.
The Bangladeshi consulate in Tripura's capital Agartala was stormed last week by a large group of protestors, who damaged property and desecrated the Bangladeshi flag.
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