The relationship between India and Bangladesh, once celebrated for its close cooperation, has entered a period of strain recently.
Against a backdrop of shifting public sentiment in Bangladesh and unresolved bilateral issues, the two neighbours face a complex web of tensions that threaten their historically robust partnership.
The recent flashpoint emerged when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh, citing rising communal violence, particularly against the Hindu minority.
This followed reports of attacks on Hindus and the arrest of a monk near Dhaka, sparking outrage among Indian political leaders and media outlets.
In response, the Yunus-led interim government dismissed the suggestion as unwarranted interference, with Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain describing Banerjee’s remarks as typical of her confrontational style.
“These are Mamata-like remarks,” he said, emphasising that Bangladesh is fully capable of managing its internal affairs without external intervention.
Chief Adviser Yunus echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of every Bangladeshi citizen, regardless of their faith. External suggestions, no matter how well-intended, must respect our sovereignty.”
The government also formally protested the remarks, signalling its intent to defend its autonomy in domestic governance.
Compounding the issue is a perception in Bangladesh that Indian media outlets are engaging in a propaganda campaign to amplify reports of minority violence.
Bangladeshi officials have alleged that these stories, which emphasise attacks on Hindus and portray a narrative of rising communal tensions, are exaggerated and politically motivated.
Foreign Adviser Hossain commented, “It’s unfortunate that some elements in the Indian media are not presenting an accurate picture. Propaganda only serves to harm the goodwill between our nations.”
This narrative reflects broader dissatisfaction among Bangladeshis toward India, fueled by unresolved disputes such as the Teesta River water-sharing agreement, perceived trade imbalances, and historical grievances.
Public opinion increasingly criticizes what many view as Bangladesh’s over-reliance on India during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
These frustrations have grown amid economic instability, including challenges in the garment sector, declining exports, and rising unemployment, which have intensified calls for the interim government to seek diversified alliances beyond India.
The Yunus-led interim government has signalled a desire to recalibrate Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
While acknowledging India’s critical role as a partner, Yunus has emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
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“Our priority is to foster a balanced and independent foreign policy, which aligns with the aspirations of our people. While India remains a key partner, we must also deepen ties with other global powers,” Yunus stated during a recent public address.
This shift reflects a broader effort to align foreign policy with domestic sentiment while managing the delicate balance of maintaining strategic cooperation with India.
However, the challenges extend beyond public perception and propaganda.
The long and historically sensitive border between the two nations remains a potential flashpoint.
Bangladesh’s cooperation in counterinsurgency operations under Sheikh Hasina contributed to stabilising India’s northeastern regions, earning goodwill from New Delhi.
Yet, the interim government must now navigate public opposition to such cooperation while ensuring regional stability.
Indian policymakers, for their part, are deeply concerned about the situation in Bangladesh.
Statements from the Ministry of External Affairs underscore the importance of protecting minorities, while political leaders like Giriraj Singh have accused Bangladesh of failing to safeguard its Hindu population.
These accusations, coupled with Banerjee’s comments, have further strained bilateral communication, reflecting the domestic political calculus in India.
Narendra Modi’s government, while cautious in its official stance, faces criticism from opposition parties for its handling of regional diplomacy and must also contend with the BJP’s ideological positioning as a global defender of Hindus.
In this complex landscape, Yunus and his government face the daunting task of managing domestic unrest, addressing economic challenges, and navigating the turbulent waters of regional diplomacy.
While Yunus has consistently advocated for dialogue and mutual respect, the path forward requires delicate balancing.
“Our relationship with India is too important to be undermined by misunderstandings or unilateral actions. We seek cooperation, not confrontation,” he remarked at an international forum.
The stakes are high for both nations.
Economic interdependence, shared security concerns, and cultural ties necessitate constructive engagement.
Yet, the growing polarisation in public sentiment, media narratives, and political rhetoric poses significant obstacles.
For Bangladesh, rebuilding trust with India while addressing domestic demands for autonomy in foreign relations is critical.
Similarly, India must navigate the delicate balance of addressing minority concerns without alienating a crucial regional partner.
The coming months will test the resilience of India-Bangladesh relations.
Success will depend on the willingness of both governments to prioritise dialogue, resolve contentious issues such as minority protection and water-sharing, and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Whether the two nations can rise above their differences and restore their historically strong partnership remains an open question in this pivotal phase of their relationship.
