Bangladesh Aims to Strengthen Ties with India through Cultural Initiatives

Bangladesh's Strategy for Enhanced Bilateral Relations

Kolkata, Dec 3: Bangladesh is keen on utilizing film festivals and tourism initiatives to rejuvenate its relationship with India following the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, as the economic collaboration between the two nations is projected to surpass USD 35 billion, stated M Riaz Hamidullah, the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to India, on Wednesday.

During a meeting with the Merchant Chamber of Commerce, Hamidullah expressed optimism that cultural and people-oriented exchanges would be crucial in revitalizing ties as both countries evaluate their future interactions.

He mentioned that plans are in motion to host a Bengali film festival in Delhi, although he did not provide specific details.

Having served in Delhi for the past eight months, Hamidullah emphasized that the India-Bangladesh partnership is fundamentally an "organic relationship" grounded in shared ecology, historical connections, and similar societal sentiments developed over generations.

“While the trade in goods is approximately USD 12 billion, the actual level of engagement is significantly higher when considering medical tourism, Indian professionals in Bangladesh, and the thousands of Bangladeshi students studying in India. This could elevate the total to over USD 25 billion, potentially reaching between USD 35 to 38 billion,” he noted.

On a broader strategic front, the High Commissioner remarked that both nations should strive to define a genuine "shared future," acknowledging that while it is "easier said than done," it is certainly attainable.

He underscored the importance of recognizing differences and sensitivities, stating that neglecting these aspects would mean "not doing justice to the relationship."

Hamidullah also pointed out the increasing significance of logistics readiness, highlighting Bangladesh's ongoing port capacity expansion as a vital indicator of future cooperation opportunities.

In response to inquiries about the transit of goods to Bhutan via India, he confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the respective governments but refrained from providing further details, citing the inappropriateness of the setting for such clarifications.

As Dhaka increasingly embraces cultural diplomacy, tourism facilitation, and deeper economic integration, the envoy indicated that Bangladesh is clearly signaling its intent to broaden the scope of engagement as both countries navigate a delicate phase in their bilateral relations.

On Sunday, Bangladeshi foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain reportedly stated that the matter of extraditing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would not impact the overall relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi.