Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi confirmed that he and Bangladesh's Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman maintained ongoing communication on 5 August, when a student-led uprising triggered a shift in power, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
General Dwivedi made the remarks during the Indian army’s annual press conference in Delhi.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh began on 5 August, when a student-led uprising led to a power shift, resulting in the resignation of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She subsequently sought refuge in India, arriving aboard a Bangladeshi military aircraft and landing at Hindon Airbase near Delhi, where she has remained for over five months.
Responding to a question about Bangladesh, General Dwivedi reassured that there was no current threat of conflict, stating, "As of today, there is no likelihood of any side being attacked. I am in regular contact with the Army Chief of that country."
He further explained, "During the transition of power in Bangladesh, we maintained constant communication. Additionally, on 20 November, we had a video conference, and military relations between the two countries have proceeded normally."
General Dwivedi’s comments shed light on the coordinated effort between the two countries’ military forces during the departure of Sheikh Hasina.
On the broader relationship between the two nations, General Dwivedi noted, "As he mentioned, India is strategically important to them, and the same is true from our perspective. We are neighbours, and it is essential to coexist and understand each other—any hostility would be detrimental to both sides."
He further clarified that while military relations between India and Bangladesh remain unchanged, the bilateral relations between two countries would only normalise once an elected government is established in Bangladesh.
"The relationship between the two countries will not fully normalise until an elected government comes to power in Bangladesh. However, the relationship between the two countries' armies is absolutely fine, and everything is proceeding smoothly," General Dwivedi added.
