Recently, some clouds have gathered in the relationship between the two neighbors. Chief Adviser Professor Yunus has sought India's help to remove this 'black cloud'.
On Monday (December 9), Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri met Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser described the relations between Bangladesh and India as 'very strong' and 'close'.
The discussion also brought up the topic of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India.
Describing the brutal and corrupt dictatorship of the past 15 years, the Chief Adviser told the Indian Foreign Secretary, 'Our people are worried because she is giving many speeches from there (India). This is creating tension.’
The Chief Adviser detailed how students, workers and the public came together in a mass uprising in July-August to end Hasina’s corrupt regime.
He said, ‘Our job is to keep the dreams of the youth alive. This is a new Bangladesh.’ He outlined the reform initiatives taken by the interim government.
During the meeting, Professor Yunus called on India to respond to his initiative for closer bilateral cooperation in flood and water management and to revive SAARC.
The Chief Adviser said, ‘We want to build a prosperous new future for all of us.’
On minority issues, the Chief Adviser said, the interim government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of every citizen and protecting the rights of all, regardless of religion, caste, ethnicity and gender.
He said, ‘We are one family. We have to work together.’