
India today made it clear that its decision not to attend the SAARC summit and seek a postponement was based on the assessment that events in the neighbourhood, including the security situation in Bangladesh, impact the whole region.
New Delhi rejected Dhaka8217;s charge that the decision was made on account of issues which were bilateral, hence undermining the SAARC Charter. 8216;8216;Let me clarify. We have not sought postponement due to any developments in bilateral relations with SAARC countries. We have drawn attention to developments that have an impact on the entire region of South Asia, not just India,8217;8217; the MEA spokesperson said.
Further, the Government refuted the contention that India was the only country which has raised concern over the security situation in Bangladesh. The spokesperson pointed out that the EU Heads of Missions in a statement in Dhaka on February 1 asked the Bangladesh government to ensure swift action and thorough investigation into the January 27 grenade attack while expressing concern at the violence on streets.
A day before that, US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca had spoken to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan and expressed outrage at the attack and demanded a thorough probe. 8216;8216;So, it is not correct to say that it is only India which has expressed concern over the security situation which been deteriorating,8217;8217; the spokesperson said.