Bangladesh Aims to Revitalize Ties with India Amidst Diplomatic Shifts

Bangladesh's Call for a New Chapter in India Relations

Dhaka: On Sunday, Bangladesh expressed its desire to 'reset' its diplomatic relations with India, aiming to establish a new partnership grounded in shared interests. This statement was made by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, who characterized the previous relationship under the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as 'uncomfortable.'

The comments came shortly after it was announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not attend the BRICS Summit in India due to not receiving an invitation, which instead went to the BIMSTEC chair.

The BRICS Summit wrapped up on Sunday, where India had extended an invitation to Rahman in his capacity as the chairman of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), alongside a separate bilateral invitation issued earlier in February.

Kobir reiterated Bangladesh's intention to 'reset' its relationship with India, emphasizing the need for bilateral discussions rather than relying on multilateral platforms.

He noted that the relationship between India and Bangladesh has faced challenges, particularly following India's support for Hasina after her removal during a youth-led protest in August 2024.

Kobir stressed the importance of moving past what he termed an 'excessive preoccupation' with India, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes mutual interests while also engaging with other nations.

'We need to move beyond our fascination with India. It is just another country, and we seek to maintain positive bilateral relations,' he stated.

When asked about the frequency of interactions with India, he quipped, 'If you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in India, when will you enjoy your own cuisine?'

Additionally, Kobir mentioned that Prime Minister Rahman is set to travel to New York on September 21 to participate in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, remaining there until September 26.

Regarding the potential for a meeting between Rahman and US President Donald Trump during the UNGA, he indicated that such arrangements are typically made at the last minute during significant international gatherings.

'The main objective of the Prime Minister's visit is to address the UN General Assembly,' Kobir concluded, noting that details about any side meetings would be revealed later.