BackIndia in talks with US on Bangladesh political situation
An electoral dispute between Bangladesh's two major parties has led to much violence in the country
Premium
Dhaka: India on Saturday said it is holding consultations with the US and other countries on the political impasse in Bangladesh over an electoral dispute between the country’s two major parties.
“I can say definitely that we are discussing the situation of Bangladesh with different countries who have an interest in the peace and stability of Bangladesh...So we have discussed the situation here with the American government as well," Indian high commissioner, Pankaj Saran, told reporters. He, however, declined to provide details of the discussions.
Saran’s comments were the first public remarks by an official on the consultations between India and the US over the political situation in Bangladesh. The envoy also confirmed that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Wajib Wajed Joy, who has emerged as a crucial figure in the ruling Awami League, recently met him at his official residence.
Saran was speaking after inaugurating a newly built facility at the Basabo Buddha monastery in Dhaka. US President Barack Obama last week had instructed State Department officials to “ramp up consultations" with India on the political crisis in Bangladesh. Obama’s direction came after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh personally raised concerns on the current political crisis in Bangladesh against the backdrop of fears of growth of radical elements in the country.
Earlier reports had suggested New Delhi and Washington were not on the “same page" over the political crisis. The consultations between the two countries are being held amidst a standoff between the Awami league and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party over the form of interim government to oversee general elections slated to be held by January. The Awami League has said it will go ahead with a plan to constitute an all-party government while the opposition wants a non-party interim government.
At least 27 people were killed in the past 20 days as the BNP with its fundamentalist ally Jamaat-e-Islami staged violent street protests and enforced a 10-day shutdown over the dispute with the government on the electoral system. PTI
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
