Bangladesh to attend BIMSTEC meeting in New Delhi

Bangladesh will participate in the BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on July 16.

Despite rejecting India's explanation over the recent incident involving Prime Minister's Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman at Delhi airport, Bangladesh has decided to attend the BIMSTEC meeting.

Foreign ministry officials said Bangladesh has taken a policy decision on the matter. They said Bangladesh currently holds the chairmanship of BIMSTEC, and participation is a duty and obligation.

Bangladesh will be represented by Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr A K M Shamsul Islam. India has already been informed of his participation through diplomatic channels.

Foreign ministry officials said Bangladesh did not find India's explanation regarding the incident involving Dr Zahed Ur Rahman at Delhi airport satisfactory and had rejected it.

However, officials said Bangladesh will closely observe whether host country India properly follows international diplomatic norms and state protocol during Brigadier General Shamsul Islam's visit.

They said the Indian government has already been informed about the visit and has been asked to show the necessary diplomatic courtesy to the delegation.

They further said India's conduct in this matter will be an important factor in future high-level visits and other formal exchanges between Bangladesh and India.

Source: BSS