Bangladesh Protests Assam CM's Remarks on India-Bangladesh Relations

Bangladesh has formally protested against remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding India-Bangladesh relations. The comments, deemed 'inappropriate' by Dhaka, have raised concerns about their impact on diplomatic ties. Sarma's statements during a recent interview suggested a preference for strained relations, citing issues related to illegal migration. This rare diplomatic response highlights the sensitivity surrounding bilateral relations and the potential consequences of political rhetoric. As tensions rise, the implications for cooperation between the two neighboring countries remain uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 12:17 IST

Bangladesh's Diplomatic Response to Assam CM's Comments

File image of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (Photo - @CMOfficeAssam / X)

Guwahati, May 1: On Thursday, Bangladesh summoned the Acting Indian High Commissioner to express formal discontent regarding comments made by Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. This incident, reported by local media, has been characterized by Dhaka as 'inappropriate' and detrimental to the relationship between the two nations.

Officials from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Indian envoy was called in on Thursday afternoon to address these concerns directly.

This situation is notable as it represents a rare diplomatic protest stemming from remarks made by a political leader at the state level in India.

The protest was triggered by an interview Sarma gave to an Indian news outlet, where he discussed the implications of India-Bangladesh relations for Assam.

During the interview, Sarma allegedly expressed a desire for the status quo of relations, stating, 'I always pray to God in the morning that the situation that existed during Yunus’s time should remain the same, and that relations should not improve.'

He elaborated, saying, 'We prefer it when India-Bangladesh relations are strained. Improved relations lead to the Indian government being less inclined to address illegal migration issues. Thus, the people of Assam favor a tense relationship between India and Bangladesh. When the two nations become friendly and the BSF and BGB start cooperating, it poses a risk for Assam.'

Sources from the foreign ministry in Dhaka condemned these remarks, labeling them as harmful to the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that should define the ties between the neighboring countries.

These comments have sparked concerns in Bangladesh regarding their potential repercussions on diplomatic relations.