Jamaat Chief Denies 'Secret Meetings' with Indian Diplomats, Blames Media for Misrepresentation

• Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman denied reports of 'secret meetings' with Indian diplomats, calling them neither covert nor improper.
• Rahman clarified he met two Indian diplomats mid-last year, stating they requested confidentiality, not him, and condemned media for twisting facts.
• His statement followed a Reuters report mentioning the meetings and Jamaat's openness to joining a consensus government.
• Rahman highlighted former PM Sheikh Hasina's presence in India as a complicating factor in bilateral relations.
• Jamaat is showing political resurgence ahead of elections, posing strategic implications for India due to its historical ties to Pakistan.

Why It Matters: Jamaat chief clarifies Indian diplomat meetings, denies secrecy amid political resurgence and media criticism.