Bangladesh has assured New Delhi of the new Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government’s commitment to normalising ties with India, notwithstanding certain irritants, including the presence of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who has been living in exile in this country.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, a veteran diplomat and economist, is currently on a three-day visit to India, the first by any Bangladesh minister after the new government assumed office in Dhaka in February. He is accompanied by PM Tarique Rahman’s trusted aide and adviser on foreign affairs Humayun Kabir and other senior officials.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval last night hosted a dinner for the visiting minister, who was Bangladesh’s NSA in the previous caretaker administration, while the visiting dignitary held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar this afternoon. He is also scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. ‘’Pleased to host FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh and his delegation this afternoon. We discussed strengthening our bilateral relationship in its various facets. Also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Agreed to remain in close touch,’’ Jaishankar wrote on X after meeting his Bangladesh counterpart.
A Bangladesh source said the two sides held a free and frank exchange of views on all bilateral issues and global developments of mutual importance. There was a clear understanding that a healthy and normal relationship between the two countries was in the larger interest of both countries, which together account for billions plus people.
Dhaka is trying to impress upon the Indian leadership that the bilateral relationship should not be held hostage to the presence of Sheikh Hasina in India. However, the neighbouring country also feels that India should not allow space to the former PM, who resigned following widespread anti-government protests and fled the country in August 2024. Bangladesh believes India should respect the bilateral extradition treaty and hand her to Dhaka or the treaty would lose its relevance.
The source said Dhaka is looking at enhancing trade and commercial links with India and the ultimate goal is to have a free trade agreement between the two countries. India must ease restrictions on exports from Bangladesh. This would also help in doubling the bilateral trade in the next 5 years. Bangladesh, it is learnt, is also keen to review SAARC, a grouping of South Asian nations for the speedy growth of the region. However, the proposal has not found favour with India.
When pointed out that Pakistan is not only wooing Bangladesh but also trying to drive a wedge between New Delhi and Dhaka, the source said Islamabad can never be a factor in Dhaka’s ties with India. ‘’There is not much content in our relationship with Pakistan…we do very little business with them. In any case, we don’t want our relationship with Pakistan to become a hindrance in our ties with India.’’
The source made it clear that Bangladesh is not going to its strategic security interest to any other nation, including China. Also, there is no question of undermining India’s security interests at any cost.
On the continuing alleged atrocities on the minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, the source said one should not go by fake narrative. ‘’There are some 15 per cent Hindus in the Bangladesh administration…how can there be atrocities against any community,’’ the sources wondered.
Bangladesh has, meanwhile, also indicated its interest in resuming cricketing ties with India. It has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is awaiting the response of the Indian authorities.
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