Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India was held at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka this afternoon. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and India’s Foreign Secretary H.E. Mr. Vikram Misri led the respective delegations to the FOC. During his visit to Dhaka, Foreign Secretary of India paid courtesy calls on the Hon’ble Chief Advisor and Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs.
The FOC provides a crucial platform for engaging in discussions to review various bilateral issues and explore new areas of mutual interests for the benefits of the two countries. The two Foreign Secretaries discussed to enhance cooperation in various important areas including border and security, water sector, trade and commerce, and consular issues. The two sides also discussed on issues related to regional and multilateral cooperation.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md. Jashim Uddin emphasized that Bangladesh wishes to have constructive relations with India based on fairness, mutual respect and equity. He also stated that Bangladesh is committed to advancing the relationship based on a ‘people-centric approach, where the welfare of the peoples of both countries would be ensured. He emphasized that fostering trust and confidence among the people is crucial for the sustainability of the relationship. Foreign Secretary stressed that the issue of border killings undermines the spirit of friendly relations between the two neighbours and, immediate resolution of the issue would significantly contribute to building necessary trust and confidence among the people of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Jashim Uddin conveyed Bangladesh’s concern on recent violent incident on the premises of Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala. On the issues of minorities, he emphasized that Bangladesh Government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people of Bangladesh, irrespective of their faiths, religions and ethnicities and that it is an internal matter of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Jashim Uddin raised issues including initiation of discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996, early conclusion of the Teesta water sharing agreement and water-sharing agreements of other common rivers, removal of trade barriers imposed on Bangladesh’s goods and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. Possible collaboration and cooperation to improve the flood forecasting & warning services was also discussed.
Bangladesh Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of bringing Indian visa services to normalcy to enhance the people-to-people connectivity. Ambassador Jashim Uddin requested the Indian authorities to reconsider the release of Bangladesh nationals who have been repatriated to Bangladesh under the Agreement of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and who are currently serving jail terms in the prisons of Bangladesh. He emphasized that Bangladesh looks forward to support from India on the issue of the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. Ambassador Jashim Uddin called for the revitalization of SAARC and regional cooperation within the provisions of SAARC and BIMSTEC.