In the wake of the recent strained relations between both countries, India on Friday announced that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on December 9 for "consultations".
"The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to visit Bangladesh for Foreign Office Consultations on December 9. This is part of our structured interactions with the Bangladesh side," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
The visit comes days after New Delhi urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities in the country amid rising violence against them.
On asked about the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, Jaiswal said, "We have spoken on this issue earlier. We would like to reiterate our expectation that relevant legal processes underway in Bangladesh are executed in a fair, just and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of concerned individuals.”
Krishna Das was arrested by Bangladesh police on charges of sedition last week. He was sent to judicial custody after being denied bail.
Widespread protests erupted in various regions, including Dhaka and Chattogram, following the arrest of Krishna Das. A lawyer was killed in a clash that erupted between the security forces and protesters after Krishna Das's arrest.
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) urged the interim government to immediately release the Hindu monk. Protests were conducted by members of ISKCON in several parts of India as well demanding the monk's release.
India has expressed deep concern about the rising targeted attacks against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the violence against minorities significantly risen in the country.
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"It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das,” the MEA had said.
Meanwhile, Dhaka has called the issue the "internal affairs of Bangladesh". "Such unfounded statements not only misrepresent facts but also stand contrary to the spirit of friendship and understanding between the two neighbouring countries," it added.
Recently, Sheikh Hasina also condemned the arrest of the Hindu leader and demanded his immediate release.