Hasina-Modi talks focus on extradition, border, and river issues

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Friday discussed key issues, including the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, water sharing of common rivers, and border killings, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their highly anticipated bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit.

Following the meeting, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters, stating:

"All matters of mutual interest were addressed. The discussion was highly constructive, productive, and fruitful," he said.

This marked the first in-person meeting between the two South Asian leaders since Bangladesh's interim government was established on August 8, following the previous government's collapse three days earlier.

Among those present at the meeting were Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Representative to the Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim, as confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder.

Observers note that this development is the most significant diplomatic engagement between India and Bangladesh since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent stay in Delhi.

Earlier, Bangladesh formally reached out to India through diplomatic channels to arrange the meeting between Yunus and Modi at the summit.

Ahead of his departure from India, Modi expressed his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, stating:

"I look forward to meeting the leaders of BIMSTEC nations and engaging in meaningful discussions to enhance our collaboration in the best interest of our people," he said before commencing his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday.