Does India Desire a Free, Fair, Inclusive, and Participatory Election in Bangladesh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India advocates for democratic values in Bangladesh.
- Engagement with the future government is a priority for India.
- Issues in bilateral relations are natural and need addressing.
- Concerns of favoritism should be set aside for better relations.
- Sheikh Hasina's visit has implications for future diplomatic ties.
Dhaka, Oct 6 (NationPress) Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed on Monday that New Delhi aims to witness a free, fair, inclusive, and participatory election in Bangladesh as soon as possible.
According to Bangladeshi media, Misri stated that India is prepared to collaborate with the democratically elected government in Dhaka following the outcomes of an inclusive and participatory election.
These comments were made during a meeting with a 23-member delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi, as reported by the United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
Present at the interaction were MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President A K M Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun.
Highlighting the impact of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India on bilateral relations, the Foreign Secretary noted that it is a judicial legal process that necessitates engagement and consultations between both governments, according to reports.
Misri expressed, “We are looking into these matters. We anticipate collaborating with Bangladeshi authorities on these topics.”
In response to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri remarked that there should be no misconception about favoritism; he stated they are not attempting to engage with one group while neglecting another.
The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that certain issues are inherent in any relationship.
Throughout the nearly hour-long discussion, he addressed questions regarding bilateral concerns, border disputes, water-sharing agreements, and matters related to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India. It was noted that some challenges are natural in any relationship, as reported by the leading Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Star.