Dhaka Seeks Mutual Respect in Ties with India: Touhid

Dhaka wants a balanced and respectful partnership with New Delhi, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said, urging India to reciprocate Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

In an opinion piece for The Indian Express on Thursday, Touhid stated that he and Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, were committed to fostering positive aspects of the relationship while addressing areas of tension.

He acknowledged that Dhaka-Delhi ties had reached a “critical juncture” following the ouster of the Awami League government amid last year’s student-led mass uprising.

“It seems to me that the Indian establishment failed to anticipate the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. It is, nevertheless, necessary to remind ourselves of the common interests and collaborative possibilities between our two nations,” he wrote.

Touhid emphasised that Bangladesh seeks a working relationship with India based on mutual respect and hopes India will respond in kind. He welcomed the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka in December, calling it a step in the right direction.

On concerns raised in India about the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, he noted that some incidents occurred during the brief instability following the previous government’s fall. However, he clarified that most affected individuals were linked to the former regime, and the interim government acted swiftly against perpetrators. He also highlighted the role of citizens in protecting Hindu families and temples.

Touhid criticised Indian media for exaggerating the situation and invited Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh for an unbiased assessment.

He also expressed disappointment over India’s lukewarm response to Dhaka’s push to revive Saarc, stating that Bangladesh saw no reason for concern from its neighbour.

Despite challenges, he pointed to positive developments, including a fishermen’s exchange and a trilateral deal granting Bangladesh limited access to Nepal’s hydroelectric power. Calling for an end to border killings, Touhid urged India to build on these gains for a stronger, mutually beneficial partnership.