Priyanka Tiwari
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Bangladesh has expressed its desire to further strengthen its relationship with India, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and shared interests. This was stated by Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, Mohammad Tauhid Hussain, on Monday, in response to recent remarks by Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. Jaishankar had earlier commented that anti-India sentiments are sometimes echoed in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Clear Intentions
Hussain clarified that Bangladesh has always aimed to maintain positive and constructive ties with India. He reiterated that the country is committed to fostering a strong working relationship with India, built on mutual respect and common interests. "There is no ambiguity in our stance," he stated.
India’s Role in Defining the Relationship
Hussain also pointed out that India must decide the nature of its relationship with Bangladesh. "It is not just about Bangladesh; India also needs to determine what kind of engagement it seeks with us. It’s a matter of mutual concern for both nations," he remarked.
Addressing Anti-Bangladesh Comments
Hussain highlighted that while there have been instances of anti-India rhetoric from Bangladesh, similar remarks have also come from India. Citing an example, he noted that an Indian Chief Minister had previously suggested sending peace forces to Bangladesh. "If there are concerns about anti-India comments from Bangladesh, we must also acknowledge the existence of anti-Bangladesh remarks from India. Despite these issues, both sides should work towards improving relations," he emphasized.
Concern Over Sheikh Hasina’s Comments
Hussain expressed concerns regarding some remarks made by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, suggesting they might impact bilateral ties. He noted that certain comments, made during her visit to India, could add tension to the relationship, potentially escalating differences between the two nations.
Bangladesh’s Stance on India's Visa Policy
Regarding India’s visa policies, Hussain stated that the decision to issue visas rests solely with India. However, he added that if visas are restricted, Bangladesh will explore alternative options.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
A recent meeting between S. Jaishankar and Tauhid Hussain at the Indian Ocean Conference in Oman focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Following the meeting, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming discussions on various issues of mutual interest.
The statement also recalled previous diplomatic engagements, including the meeting between Jaishankar and Hussain at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2024. Additionally, key interactions such as the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Dhaka in December 2024 and Bangladesh’s participation in India Energy Week in February 2025 were highlighted.
The Future of India-Bangladesh Relations
Historically, Bangladesh and India have shared strong ties, though occasional differences have emerged. Hussain’s remarks underline Bangladesh’s willingness to deepen relations, while also emphasizing that India must decide the direction in which it wants to take this partnership. With continued diplomatic efforts, both nations have the opportunity to foster a relationship based on shared goals and regional stability.
