Dhaka: Ahead of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported August 5 programme, Bangladesh on Monday conveyed to India that Dhaka expects New Delhi’s cooperation in ensuring that any person, including fugitive Hasina, cannot use Indian territory to make political statements or conduct any activities aimed at creating instability within Bangladesh. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir conveyed the message when newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met him at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Indian media reported that Hasina is set to make her first public appearance in India exactly two years after she fled the country following a massive student-led protest. Multiple media reports indicate that Hasina will attend a virtual event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi.

The issue of Hasina’s planned programme for August 5 also came up for discussion at the meeting, said the ministry. Both sides emphasised the importance of continuing regular dialogue and constructive engagement and expressed hope that long-term and sustainable solutions to all issues could be achieved through mutual trust and discussion.

During the meeting, various aspects of the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India, and issues of mutual interest, were discussed. They expressed optimism about further strengthening and moving forward bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and common interests.

The discussion focussed on increasing people-centric cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, based on mutual interest and mutual benefit, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The High Commissioner reiterated India’s intent to work positively with the government of Bangladesh to advance the developmental aspirations of the peoples of Bangladesh and India.