National Security Advisor (NSA) of Bangladesh Khalilur Rahman met NSA Ajit Doval in the national capital on Wednesday, the Bangladesh High Commission said.
According to the statement, the two NSAs discussed the functioning of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) and key bilateral issues. Rahman also invited Doval to visit Bangladesh.
The High Commission noted, “The Bangladesh delegation to the Seventh NSA-level Meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), led by the National Security Adviser, Dr Khalilur Rahman, met with the National Security Adviser of India, Mr Ajit Doval, and his team today in Delhi. They discussed work of CSC and key bilateral issues. Dr Rahman invited Mr Doval to visit Bangladesh at his convenience.”
Rahman is heading the Bangladesh delegation for the seventh NSA-level CSC meeting.
The meeting comes amid strained ties following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and death sentence. It marks the highest-level security engagement since the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, assumed office in Bangladesh in August 2024.
A major point of friction remains Bangladesh’s formal request for India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi tribunal.
On Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs said India has taken note of the verdict delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and reiterated that India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh.
The MEA stated, “India has noted the verdict announced by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.”
Earlier, a Bangladesh court found ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina guilty of committing “crimes against humanity” during the July–August 2024 uprising. According to local media reports, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 has sentenced her to death.
The timing of the NSA-level engagement is crucial, with Bangladesh set to hold a general election in about three months. India has publicly called for a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election. The meeting underscores continued engagement between the two neighbours despite current tensions — India has expressed its commitment to Bangladesh’s stability and democracy, while Bangladesh seeks cooperation on security and economic matters.
Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval is set to host his counterparts from member states of the Colombo Security Conclave in New Delhi on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
According to the MEA, Doval will host representatives from member states including the Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Seychelles will participate as an Observer State, and Malaysia has been invited as a Guest.
(ANI)