Meeting Between Indian Diplomat and Jamaat Ameer ‘Routine’, Says MEA

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that its officials’ meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman was part of routine diplomatic engagements in Dhaka.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have close bilateral ties with Bangladesh. Our High Commission officials routinely meet various interlocutors. Our interaction with Jamaat-e-Islami should be viewed in that context.”

Shafiqur Rahman had told Reuters in December 2025 that he met an Indian diplomat earlier in the year, noting that unlike his other international meetings, the Indian official requested the discussion remain private.

Ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 elections, Shafiqur Rahman has met officials from the United States, China, and other countries. Diplomats have also been engaging with leaders of other political parties, including the BNP, as part of regular diplomatic outreach.