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Bangladesh will participate in the fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ (NSA) Meeting in New Delhi on July 16, with Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam set to represent the country despite recent diplomatic tensions with India.
Diplomatic sources said Bangladesh, the current chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), has already informed the Indian government through diplomatic channels about Shamsul Islam’s participation.
Officials said Bangladesh’s attendance reflects its responsibility as the current BIMSTEC chair.
At the same time, Dhaka will closely observe whether India upholds established diplomatic norms and protocol during the visit.
According to diplomatic sources, New Delhi has been requested to provide all necessary support and protocol arrangements for the Bangladesh delegation.
The meeting comes days after Bangladesh expressed dissatisfaction over the treatment of Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, who was returned from New Delhi despite prior diplomatic notification that he would lead the Bangladesh delegation to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) meeting.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the airport incident as “unwanted and regrettable” and said India’s explanation for the episode was “not satisfactory.”
Diplomatic sources said India’s handling of Shamsul Islam’s visit will be an important indicator for future high-level exchanges and official engagements between the two neighbouring countries.
