Dhaka, Nov 21 (V7N) – A Foreign Secretary-level meeting between India and Bangladesh is set to take place in Dhaka this December. While the agenda is yet to be finalized, speculation surrounds the possibility of discussing the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tawfiq Hasan clarified that no official directive has been issued to address Sheikh Hasina's return during the meeting. However, he did not rule out the possibility of the matter being raised during discussions. "We have not received formal instructions on this issue yet, but it might be addressed in the upcoming meeting," Hasan said.

Hasan expressed optimism about the meeting, emphasizing its potential to strengthen India-Bangladesh ties. "We hope this dialogue will add momentum to the relationship between the two countries," he added.

The spokesperson also addressed the recent surge of negative media coverage about Bangladesh in Indian outlets, describing it as "undesirable." He confirmed that Bangladesh's concerns have been communicated to the Indian embassy.

Apart from the India-Bangladesh meeting, the Foreign Ministry announced several other key diplomatic engagements:

  • Bangladesh-Belgium Dialogue: Scheduled to take place in Dhaka on November 24.
  • Visit of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim A Khan: From November 25 to 28, focusing on justice and accountability in the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has requested the resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh is currently evaluating the proposal.

The December meeting with India is expected to be a critical platform for addressing bilateral issues, potentially including Sheikh Hasina's return, while also strengthening diplomatic ties in the region.

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