Bangladesh’s Relations with India Shift Post-Hasina, Says Foreign Affairs Advisor

Dhaka [Bangladesh], November 30: Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammed Touhid Hossain stated on Saturday that the country’s relationship with India has changed significantly since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced out of power on August 5, 2024.

Speaking at a seminar at North South University in Dhaka, Hossain said, “After August 5, relations with India have changed, and this is the reality. It is in view of this reality that we have to build and continue our relationship with India. I believe India will understand how to take forward relations with Bangladesh under the changed circumstances.”

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Political Shifts and Challenges

Sheikh Hasina, 76, was ousted from power following a student-led movement that sparked weeks of protests and violent clashes, resulting in over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India on August 5, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was established.

Touhid Hossain emphasized the need for Bangladesh to maintain a constructive relationship with India, despite the changing political dynamics. He noted, “We would like to establish a good relationship so that the interests of both parties are protected. We will not harm anyone, and we expect the same in return.”

Hossain also criticized exaggerated reports by Indian media on the bilateral relationship and urged Bangladeshi media to remain objective in their coverage.

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India’s Concerns Over Minority Safety

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed serious concerns about rising extremist rhetoric and targeted violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

During a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India has consistently and strongly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladesh government. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities. Developments like these cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggerations.”

India urged Bangladesh to take immediate steps to safeguard minorities and address rising tensions.

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Tensions Over Recent Events

The situation in Bangladesh has remained volatile since the arrest of spiritual preacher Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above the Bangladeshi national flag in Chittagong on October 25.

Following his arrest, violence escalated, including clashes between police and Das’s supporters at the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27, which resulted in the death of a lawyer.

Jaiswal reiterated India’s concern over these incidents, calling for action to ensure the safety and rights of all communities in Bangladesh.