Bangladesh Seeks to Mend Ties with India Amid Strained Relations Following Hasina’s Ouster

Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangladesh has expressed its readiness to improve relations with India, following months of strained diplomatic ties that worsened after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the widespread violence against Hindu minorities in the country.

The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has indicated a desire for constructive engagement with India. Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh remains committed to fostering positive relations and hopes to resolve tensions with its neighbor.

“The position articulated by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus reflects our stance. I have previously emphasized the necessity of a constructive working relationship based on mutual respect. The rest will unfold in due course,” Hossain told journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday.

India’s Visa Ban & Bilateral Tensions

Relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated sharply last year following a mass protest movement that resulted in violent riots and political upheaval, leading to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. In response to the instability, India suspended visa services for Bangladeshi citizens.

Addressing the visa issue, Hossain remarked, “We have not created visa-related complexities. Visa issuance is a sovereign prerogative. If a country decides not to grant visas to certain individuals or groups, it is within their right, and no objections can be raised. We hope they will communicate their decision to us and take measures to facilitate the process for prospective travelers.”

The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has yet to resume visa services, and Dhaka is eagerly awaiting an official response from New Delhi.

India’s Stand on Terrorism & Regional Stability

Last month, Hossain met India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), EAM Jaishankar stressed that Bangladesh must not normalize terrorism and that stability in the region must be a priority.

During their half-hour discussion, the two leaders acknowledged the challenges in bilateral relations and emphasized the need for both nations to work together to overcome differences. Reports also suggest that Bangladesh is keen on arranging a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus during the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April.

Concerns Over Treatment of Minorities in Bangladesh

Despite Bangladesh’s calls for normalization of relations, the Yunus administration has faced global criticism for its targeting of Hindu minorities following the anti-government uprising that led to Hasina’s ouster. India has voiced concerns over rising violence against Hindus, a factor that continues to strain relations between the two countries.

While New Delhi remains open to dialogue, India is closely monitoring the human rights situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety and security of minority communities.

BIMSTEC Summit: A Diplomatic Opportunity

Bangladesh is set to take over as the next chair of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to be held in Bangkok from April 2-4, 2025. Dhaka is hoping that Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet on the sidelines of the summit to discuss steps toward repairing diplomatic relations.

The coming weeks will be crucial for the future of India-Bangladesh ties, as both nations navigate regional security, trade cooperation, and political realignments in the post-Hasina era.