New Delhi: Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to strengthening relations with India, emphasizing mutual respect and shared interests. This statement, issued by Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain, follows recent remarks by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding “anti-India sentiments” in Bangladesh.
Jaishankar’s Concerns Over Bangladesh’s Stance
During a meeting with Touhid Hossain in Muscat, Jaishankar expressed concerns about Bangladesh’s unpredictable approach toward India. He urged Dhaka to refrain from making “ridiculous” allegations against Indian leaders, particularly those in the interim government.
Jaishankar stated that Bangladesh could not simultaneously seek good relations with India while blaming New Delhi for its internal challenges. He warned that Dhaka must “make up its mind” about its diplomatic course with India.
“You cannot say, on the one hand, that ‘I would now like to have good relations with you,’ but then wake up every morning and blame you for everything that goes wrong. Some of those claims, if you look at the reports, are absolutely ridiculous,” Jaishankar remarked at a public event.
India’s Concerns Over Bangladesh’s Internal Affairs
Jaishankar also highlighted political instability and sectarian violence as key issues affecting bilateral relations. He noted that attacks against minorities in Bangladesh were a significant concern for India and impacted its perception of the relationship.
“The difficulties that our bilateral partnerships are experiencing are twofold. Attacks against minorities by certain groups are the first. The recent wave of assaults against minorities is very concerning for India. Clearly, this affects the way we think. That’s something we need to talk about, and we have,” he said.
Bangladesh Calls for Balanced Diplomatic Approach
Responding to Jaishankar’s remarks, Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain reaffirmed Dhaka’s dedication to fostering positive relations with India. He stressed that Bangladesh sought an amicable partnership based on mutual respect and common interests.
“Our position is unambiguous: we want positive working relationships with India based on respect and shared interests. There is no room for doubt on this,” Hossain told reporters.
Hossain also emphasized that India must decide on the nature of its relationship with Bangladesh. He pointed out that anti-Bangladesh rhetoric had emerged in India as well, citing a recent instance where an Indian chief minister suggested sending a peacekeeping force to Bangladesh.
“He (Jaishankar) expressed his displeasure at Bangladesh’s anti-India statements. However, India has also made anti-Bangladesh statements. A chief minister from India demanded that a peacekeeping force be sent to Bangladesh. While acknowledging that such comments will persist, we must endeavor to strengthen our connection,” Hossain added.
Concerns Over Sheikh Hasina’s Remarks
Hossain also expressed concern over Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, which he claimed were detrimental to bilateral ties, particularly when made during her visit to India.
“Sheikh Hasina’s remarks are hurting our relationship, particularly when she was receiving Indian hospitality. Tensions are only increased by such comments,” he said.
Visa Issues and Future Diplomatic Steps
Regarding visa regulations, Hossain acknowledged that India had full authority over its immigration policies but noted that Bangladesh would explore alternative options if visa denials continued.
“India has complete control over whether or not to grant visas. However, we will search for other options if visas are rejected,” he stated.
As India and Bangladesh navigate these diplomatic challenges, both sides have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a constructive dialogue. With a shared history dating back to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the two nations continue to seek a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship despite recent tensions.
