India will take steps to increase the number of visas issued for Bangladeshi nationals, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said.
The adviser briefed reporters in front of the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday, following a meeting between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
The Indian diplomat had informed the Bangladesh side that he would take measures in this regard, Rizwana said.
Addressing concerns over a recent attack on Bangladesh’s mission in India, she said Dhaka had already protested the violent behaviour at the assistant high commission, adding that India had expressed regret.
Rizwana also noted Dhaka’s concern about anti-Bangladesh propaganda. She said that in response, the Indian foreign secretary had clarified that such activities were the work of independent organizations and not the Indian government.
The adviser added that the government had expressed unease over provocative remarks made by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina while in India.
Since being ousted from power and taking refuge in India, Hasina had been attempting to stir tension through various statements, she said, adding that Dhaka had clearly communicated its concerns to Delhi.
Rizwana said India was aware of the July uprising, mentioning that the neighbouring country was willing to strengthen bilateral ties.
“We emphasized our interest in seeing Saarc play a stronger role and reiterated our commitment to collaboration within Bimstec,” she added.
Talking about some recent incidents in Bangladesh, Rizwana said the government had countered misinformation in different ways, through written and verbal statements.
She added that they could not be categorized as communal; they were either personal or political. “The Bangladesh government neither condones nor tolerates such acts. Legal action has been taken against offenders whenever complaints have been lodged.”
She reflected on the broader context of bilateral relations, Rizwana said the Indian foreign secretary had acknowledged that a cloud had formed over Dhaka-Delhi relations due to various reasons and stressed the need to clear it.
“We agreed that this cloud must be cleared. Both sides also recognized the potential for collaboration on many shared interests.”
