In what is described as the highest level security engagement between New Delhi and Dhaka since the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Bangladeshi counterpart Khalilur Rahman in the national capital on Wednesday.
This comes two days after a Bangladeshi tribunal handed death sentence to Hasina who is staying in exile in India. The meeting is believed to have discussed bringing Hasina back to Bangladesh, but there is no official confirmation regarding this.
A press released by the interim government in Dhaka said that both sides discussed key "bilateral issues". Rahman, who is helming the Bangladesh delegation for the seventh NSA Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) meeting, also discussed the work of the conclave during the huddle.
Bangladesh has invited Doval to visit Dhakha "at his convenience".
"Bangladesh delegation to the Seventh NSA-level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), led by the National Security Adviser, Dr Khalilur Rahman, met with the National Security Adviser of India, Mr Ajit Doval, and his team today in Delhi. They discussed work of CSC and key bilateral issues. Dr. Rahman invited Mr. Doval to visit Bangladesh at his convenience," read a statement by the Bangladesh High Commission.
Bangladesh had earlier formally requested India to extradite Hasina, New Delhi is obligated to ensure the return of the ousted PM and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
However, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that "India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end." |
