The extradition of deposed premier Sheikh Hasina and the seamless Indian media propaganda against Bangladesh are likely to feature prominently in the Indo-Bangla foreign office consultation slated for tomorrow (Monday).
The talks will be hosted in Dhaka at a time when the strained relations between the two countries hit rockbottom over the safety of Hindus and other minorities here.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri will lead the Indian delegation, while foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin will lead the Bangladesh side.
According to foreign ministry officials here, trade, visa, connectivity, border killings and water-sharing are the key issues to be discussed in the meeting.
However, the issues of extraditing Hasina, who fled to India in the face of a student-mass uprising against her government on August 05, and a relentless media propaganda campaign against Bangladesh will be raised by Dhaka.
Hasina is currently facing trial proceedings in the International Crimes Tribunal back home for her alleged involvement in the bloody massacre of civilians perpetrated during the student-led July-August uprising.
Mr Misri will hold multiple meetings during his visit, and he is expected to express Delhi's concern over the minority situations in Bangladesh, according to Indian media reports.
On August 08, Indian premier Narendra Modi expressed his worry about the state of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh in his message to Dr Mohammad Yunus after his assumption of interim charge.
On October 12, New Delhi called upon Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship.
On November 26, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs voiced deep concern about the arrest and denial of bail to former Iskcon leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, and attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, including the desecration of deities and temples.
But Bangladesh has made it clear that the government is fully committed to protecting minority rights and the Indian media has been engaged in a vicious campaign against the Yunus administration by presenting fabricated reports on attacks against Hindu minorities.
Recently, Bangladesh missions in Kolkata and Agartala came under attack by Indian protesters, adding salt to the ongoing bitterness in bilateral ties.
However, the Indian High Commissioner last week told the media that India always wanted stable as well as friendly ties with Bangladesh.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com