Bangladesh has urged India to address lingering issues to strengthen their bilateral relationship, even as tensions rise over the recent arrest of a Hindu priest. On Saturday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain expressed hope for the future of the two nations’ ties, highlighting the need to safeguard mutual interests.
Hossain noted a shift in Bangladesh-India relations since August 5, calling it a “reality.” He pointed out an imbalance in how the two countries have addressed each other’s concerns, stating, “While the previous Bangladeshi government took steps to address India’s concerns, Dhaka’s issues have largely remained unaddressed by New Delhi.”
The dynamics shifted after Sheikh Hasina was ousted and fled to India on August 5, amid protests against a controversial job quota system. Her exit cleared the way for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to take over as Chief Adviser in the interim government three days later.
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Tensions between India and Bangladesh escalated following the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday.
Das, who serves as the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was denied bail and remanded to custody by Chattogram’s Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court on Tuesday in a sedition case. His arrest triggered violent clashes between his supporters and security forces, leading to the death of a lawyer.
Hossain made these remarks during a roundtable discussion titled Bangladesh-India Relations: Expectations, Barriers and Future, organized by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) and the Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) at North South University, according to the state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
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The Foreign Affairs Adviser acknowledged that “there is a change in relations after August 5,” describing it as “reality.” Despite the ongoing diplomatic challenges, he expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship.
“Dhaka wants to remain optimistic that we will be able to establish a good relationship with India, ensuring that bilateral interests are protected,” Hossain was quoted as saying by BSS.
Hossain emphasized the need for a national consensus on foreign policy, arguing that internal political divisions have prevented Bangladesh from fully realizing its potential.
In the wake of several anti-Hindu incidents this week — including the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and attacks on Hindu temples and community members — India urged Bangladesh’s interim government on Friday to uphold its responsibility to protect all minorities. Expressing deep concern over the “surge” in extremist rhetoric and the escalating violence against Hindus and temples, India called for swift action.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed Parliament, stating that India has taken careful note of the violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh. He stressed that it is Dhaka’s primary responsibility to safeguard the lives and liberties of all citizens, including minority communities.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh voiced serious concern over violent protests outside its Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and called on New Delhi to ensure the safety and security of all Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain highlighted unresolved bilateral issues, pointing out the lack of progress on critical matters like the Teesta water-sharing agreement and the persistent problem of border killings, according to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
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