A group of 685 Indian eminent citizens have written an open letter to the people of Bangladesh urging them to prioritize peace and friendship. They include former judges, bureaucrats and several ambassadors.
The Indian Express reported this online on Thursday.
In the letter, they stressed the need to maintain the friendship between the two countries, considering the Dhaka-Delhi relations for more than five decades.
The Indian Express reported that former Chief Election Commissioner of India S Y Qureshi was among the signatories to the letter.
The letter calls for an end to the alleged ‘attacks and destruction of their businesses’ on minorities in Bangladesh. The eminent persons stressed the need to maintain close and trustworthy bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. They believe that this bilateral relationship will protect the long-term interests of both countries.
The letter emphasizes ensuring the security of all minority communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Shias and Ahmadis.
It also commended India and Bangladesh for resolving important bilateral issues such as land and maritime boundaries and for their cooperative efforts in power, communications and infrastructure.
The letter noted that India remains steadfast in its support to Bangladesh through grants and loans on soft terms. The Indian dignitaries believe that close, cooperative and trustworthy bilateral relations will serve the long-term interests of the people of both countries.
They also urged the people of Bangladesh not to be influenced by anti-India propaganda. Finally, they called for the restoration of democracy and secularism and stressed the importance of free, fair and inclusive elections.
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