Amidst rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar issued a b statement, asserting that the neighboring country must decide the nature of its relationship with India. This statement prompted a sharp rebuke from Bangladesh's interim government, which in turn advised India.
New Delhi: India-Bangladesh relations have become increasingly strained since the assumption of power by Mohammed Yunus's government in Bangladesh. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a pointed message to Bangladesh, stating that they must decide what kind of relationship they want with India. In response, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mohammed Towhid Hossain, stated that India should also decide the nature of its relationship with Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's Discontent over Hindu Issues
Jaishankar had expressed concern over attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, a position that Dhaka vehemently rejected. Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mohammed Towhid Hossain, argued that India should not interfere in their internal affairs. He stated, "The issue of minorities in Bangladesh is our internal matter, just as India's minorities are India's concern."
Dhaka's response clearly indicates that Mohammed Yunus's interim government is uncomfortable with India's firm stance. In recent years, there has been a rise in attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, a matter India has repeatedly raised concerns about, but the Bangladeshi government has dismissed it as external interference.
Growing Distance in India-Bangladesh Relations
India-Bangladesh relations have recently cooled. Jaishankar expressed his displeasure, stating that Bangladesh must decide the nature of its relationship with India. In response, Towhid Hossain retorted, "If India believes that relations with us are important, then they too must reconsider their position."
He further stated that Bangladesh consistently desires a relationship based on respect and mutual interest, but that it must be a bilateral process. This statement reflects Bangladesh's changing stance toward India, which has recently taken a different position than India on several policy matters.
Questions Raised about Sheikh Hasina's Role
Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, is currently abroad and a guest of India. The Bangladeshi government advisor indirectly criticized this, suggesting her statements could damage the relationship. He stated, "We must be cautious that statements from our former Prime Minister might create rifts."
Is the Bangladesh-India Relationship Further Deteriorating?
India-Bangladesh relations have historically been b, but recent events clearly indicate a growing lack of trust between the two countries. India has repeatedly provided Bangladesh with economic and strategic assistance, but the new government appears inclined to shift away from India towards other powers.
