Dhaka says it wants a new working relationship based on mutual interests and direct bilateral engagement
Bangladesh has called for a “reset” in its relationship with India, saying it wants to build a new bilateral framework centred on mutual interests. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir described the relationship during ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as “uncomfortable”.
Kobir made the remarks in Dhaka on Sunday, days after Bangladesh said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, citing concerns that he had not been “properly invited”. India had invited Rahman for a bilateral visit as well as to attend the BRICS Summit as BIMSTEC chair, but Dhaka reportedly did not formally accept either invitation.
Relations between the two neighbours have faced strain since Hasina was ousted following a youth-led movement in August 2024 and subsequently took refuge in India. Bangladesh has since indicated a desire to recalibrate its engagement with New Delhi.
“We want to move towards a new relationship,” Kobir said, stressing that it should be pursued through bilateral discussions rather than multilateral platforms. He also urged Bangladesh to move away from what he described as an “excessive preoccupation” with India and adopt a more balanced foreign policy focused on shared interests.
The minister said India should be treated as “just another country” while maintaining good bilateral relations.
Separately, Bangladesh is reviewing 101 agreements and memorandums of understanding signed with India. BNP chief whip Nurul Islam Moni said Parliament was examining the agreements, including arrangements related to the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports by ships from friendly countries.
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