During a meeting with Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna on Monday (December 9), India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed concern about a "cloud" over the bilateral relations between the two countries, suggesting it should be cleared.

The discussion, which was held to address various ongoing issues between the two nations, was later summarized by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, during a press briefing organized by the Chief Advisor's press wing.

Rizwana stated that in response to allegations and misinformation, both written and verbal clarifications had been provided, emphasizing that the events in question were largely political rather than communal. She reiterated the clear stance of the Bangladesh government, which has neither supported nor tolerated such acts. Legal actions have been taken against individuals involved in such incidents.

In this context, Vikram Misri acknowledged the cloud over the relationship between the two countries and reiterated the need to remove it. Rizwana also mentioned that the issue of reduced visa issuance by India had created significant difficulties, and Bangladesh had raised this concern. In response, India promised to address the issue and work towards increasing the issuance of visas.

Additionally, the Chief Advisor's spokesperson highlighted the concerns raised regarding the exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India and allegedly inciting tensions with her remarks. Bangladesh government representatives made it clear that they had serious concerns about these activities.

In a separate briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen conveyed that Bangladesh had communicated its discontent with Sheikh Hasina’s actions and statements made during her stay in India. The government does not approve of the content of these remarks and conveyed this message to India's Foreign Secretary.

Vikram Misri responded by assuring that Sheikh Hasina's position should not be seen as a barrier to the relationship between the two nations. He emphasized that the bilateral ties should be strengthened despite any differences.