World News
Bangladesh Seeks Reset in India Ties After BNP Landslide, Says Tarique Rahman’s Adviser
Bangladesh has called for a reset in ties with India following the landslide electoral victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), with an adviser to party chief Tarique Rahman urging New Delhi to recognise the country’s new political reality.
Bangladesh has called for a reset in ties with India following the landslide electoral victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), with an adviser to party chief Tarique Rahman urging New Delhi to recognise the country’s new political reality.
Humayun Kabir, adviser to Rahman, said the onus is now on India to recalibrate its approach after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the exit of her Awami League party from power.
“The change has to come from the mindset in India. Sheikh Hasina and Awami League don’t exist in today’s Bangladesh anymore. The people have given a clear verdict in favour of BNP,” Kabir said in an interview.
BNP Sweeps Polls, Signals Foreign Policy Shift
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a more than two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, marking a decisive shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Kabir said Dhaka wants to rebuild bilateral relations with India “on a fresh footing” and stressed that both neighbours should work together for “mutual benefit.”
He also urged India to ensure its territory is not used for activities that could destabilise Bangladesh, particularly in reference to Hasina, who fled to India following the August 2024 uprising.
“India must not be seen as complicit in any activities that undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Once that is addressed, normal diplomatic cooperation can resume,” Kabir said.
India Responds on Extradition Request
India has said it is examining Bangladesh’s request to extradite Sheikh Hasina.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi remains committed to “peace, democracy, inclusion and stability” in Bangladesh and will continue constructive engagement with all stakeholders.
Modi Invites Rahman, Visit on Hold
Kabir confirmed a recent cordial phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tarique Rahman, during which Modi invited him to visit India.
However, Kabir said Rahman would first focus on domestic priorities, including economic recovery and stability, before undertaking international visits.
Balanced Approach Amid India-China-US Rivalry
On regional geopolitics, Kabir indicated that a BNP-led government would pursue balanced relations amid growing competition between India, China and the United States in South Asia.
“We will negotiate from a position of strength with a strong mandate from the people. National interest will remain at the centre of our foreign policy,” he said, adding that Bangladesh would not align exclusively with any single country.
Minority Safety and Regional Cooperation
Addressing concerns over attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, Kabir dismissed allegations of widespread communal violence, asserting that Bangladesh maintains communal harmony.
India has previously expressed concern over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh following recent unrest.
Kabir also called for enhanced regional cooperation on counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, stating that elected governments must work together to combat extremism.
Swearing-In Ceremony on February 17
Bangladesh has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other regional leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the country’s next prime minister on February 17, according to a BNP statement.
