Bangladesh Seeks to Reset Ties With India Following Regime Change

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir announced that Bangladesh wants to reset its bilateral relationship with India. Kobir described the ties over the previous 15 years under the regime of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as uncomfortable, corrupt, and exploitative. He stated that Bangladesh needs to move away from a fascination with India, noting that India is just another country and that the new relationship should be built through direct bilateral discussions rather than multilateral forums.

Kobir used a metaphor regarding eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner in India to emphasize the need for Bangladesh to be less preoccupied with its neighbor. While he expressed a desire for a good working relationship, he clarified that the government would address border incidents through diplomatic channels and international law. Additionally, the government is currently scrutinizing 101 Memorandums of Understanding signed with India through a parliamentary process.

Reports from a center right outlet suggest that relations have been strained specifically due to India providing refuge to Sheikh Hasina after she fled Bangladesh in August 2024. This outlet also noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman did not attend the BRICS Summit in India, citing a lack of a proper invitation, despite reports that India had invited him for both the summit and a bilateral visit.

Separately, Kobir announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will travel to New York from September 21 to September 26 to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. During this visit, Rahman intends to present a new vision for Bangladesh and its democratic transition. The visit will also include a high level discussion on the Rohingya crisis.