FM holds meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday held a meeting with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval amidst the escalating security concern along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border due to internal conflicts in the neighboring country.

During the meeting, which began at 12:30 pm and concluded at 1:15 pm, the foreign minister discussed a wide range of issues, including Rohingya repatriation and the overall peace and security situation along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

After the meeting, Dr Hasan Mahmud expressed his satisfaction to reporters, saying that they held a fruitful discussion.

The foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar are also scheduled to hold a meeting later today.

The Bangladesh foreign minister landed in New Delhi a little before 1:00 am on a three-day official visit from Wednesday.

Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, and Smita Pant, Ambassador-designate of India to Uzbekistan received the Foreign Minister at the airport in New Delhi.

India has said Bangladesh's Foreign Minister’s first bilateral visit to New Delhi reflects the high importance and priority both countries attach to their relationship.

The foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud is likely to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and have a separate meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during his stay in New Delhi.

The foreign minister will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the iconic Rajghat.

Earlier, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, said issues of mutual interest including trade, connectivity and energy cooperation, people-to-people contacts and regional cooperation will be discussed between the two sides at the bilateral meeting to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations.

When asked whether the Teesta water-sharing issue will be discussed in the meeting, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they expect the issue will take place during discussion.