Bangladesh desires a robust working relationship with India based on mutual respect and anticipates reciprocal goodwill, according to Touhid Hossain, foreign affairs adviser to the interim government.
In an article published in The Indian Express, Hossain highlighted the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh-India relations following the ouster of the Awami League regime during the student-led mass uprising in July-August 2024.
“It appears that the Indian establishment was unprepared for the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Nonetheless, it is imperative to reflect on the shared interests and collaborative potential between our nations,” he wrote.
He emphasised that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and himself are committed to strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on constructive engagement to address areas of tension and misunderstanding.
“The December visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka was a positive development. Our history of collaboration, rooted in Bangladesh’s birth, continues to offer mutual benefits,” he remarked.
Acknowledging India’s impressive achievements—from its thriving technology sector to its emergence as the world’s fifth-largest economy—Hossain also lauded Bangladesh’s notable progress.
He cited Bangladesh’s position as the second-largest global exporter of garments, its leading role in UN peacekeeping missions, and the transformative microcredit models pioneered by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which have significantly influenced financial systems globally, including in India.
Addressing concerns over minority rights, Hossain acknowledged incidents of violence during the transitional period following the fall of the previous regime on 5 August 2024.
“The law and order situation was temporarily compromised, affecting individuals linked to the former regime, predominantly Muslims, but also Hindus,” he noted.
The interim government, he affirmed, swiftly took decisive action against the perpetrators.
He further highlighted the proactive role of Bangladeshi citizens in safeguarding Hindu families and temples during this period.
“Regrettably, certain segments of the Indian media have perpetuated exaggerated and, at times, baseless narratives,” Hossain stated.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, he asserted, “Hindus in Bangladesh are equal citizens with equal rights.”
An independent survey by Voice of America indicated that nearly two-thirds of Bangladesh’s population perceived an improvement in minority treatment under the interim administration.
Inviting Indian journalists to report freely from Bangladesh, Touhid Hossain remarked, “We aspire to exemplify communal harmony in South Asia and beyond. Let Indian journalists witness the reality first-hand, without restrictions.”
Reflecting on regional cooperation, he expressed disappointment over India’s lukewarm response to Bangladesh’s efforts to revitalise SAARC.
“India has nothing to fear from this initiative. Regional collaboration requires time, but every journey begins with a single step. A symbolic gesture, such as a joint photograph at the next global summit, could signify a renewed commitment to regional unity,” he suggested.
Despite existing challenges, the adviser observed “hopeful green shoots” in bilateral relations, citing the recent exchange of fishermen and a trilateral agreement facilitating Bangladesh’s access to clean hydroelectric energy from Nepal.
Concluding his remarks, he urged, “Let us build on these positive developments to forge a partnership that benefits our peoples, the region, and the global community. A constructive starting point would be to cease the tragic practice of border killings. The potential gains from positive engagement are far too significant to overlook.”
