Dr. Yunus-Modi formal meeting not taking place

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News Desk:  There is no formal meeting between the interim government's chief advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit to be held in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, in April. The Hindustan Times reported this information on Friday, citing three local sources.

The report says that some members of the interim government criticize India every day. This has led to poor relations between the two countries. In such a situation, it is not possible to arrange a meeting between the heads of government of the two countries.

A source told Hindustan Times, "Since the conference will see world leaders come face to face more than once, there may be some interaction (between Dr. Yunus and Modi). But nothing more is expected."

Another source said, "Arranging a formal meeting seems difficult. Especially from Dhaka, new criticisms are coming against India every day from some advisors to the interim government. These issues are not helpful in organizing the meeting." The BIMSTEC summit will be held in Bangkok from April 2 to 3. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand will participate as member states. 

This year's BIMSTEC summit comes at a time when relations between Bangladesh and India are at a low point on various issues. In particular, Delhi's bitter relationship with Dhaka has been created over the sheltering of former dictator Sheikh Hasina and false allegations of alleged persecution of minorities. India has not yet responded to the request for the return of Sheikh Hasina, accused of genocide, which has further affected the relationship. 

An Indian political analyst had commented that Modi did not want to meet the Bangladeshi chief advisor directly because Dr. Yunus could raise other issues including the Hasina issue if he meets Modi. It is worth noting that Bangladesh had written to India to arrange a meeting between Dr. Yunus and Modi on the sidelines of the conference. Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain confirmed this to news agency ANI on Thursday.

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