Bangladesh seeks direct bilateral reset in relations with India

Dhaka: Bangladesh stated Sunday that it seeks to "reset" its diplomatic relationship with India and construct a new bilateral framework based on mutual interests, while describing relations during the tenure of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as "uncomfortable."

The remarks by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir came two days after Dhaka announced Thursday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not attend the BRICS Summit hosted by India because he was not invited to the gathering, with the invitation extended instead to the BIMSTEC chair.

The two-day BRICS Summit concluded on Sunday. India had invited Rahman to attend the summit in his capacity as chairman of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), whilst a separate bilateral invitation had been in place since February.

Bangladesh wants to "reset" its bilateral relationship with India, Kobir told reporters in Dhaka.

"We want to move towards a new relationship, which should be done through bilateral discussions, not through a multilateral forum," he said.

Diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh have faced strain following New Delhi's decision to grant refuge to Hasina, who fled to India after being ousted in a youth-led uprising in August 2024.

Kobir stated that Bangladesh must move past what he characterised as an "excessive preoccupation" with India and manage its ties with New Delhi in a balanced manner, prioritising shared interests and treating the relationship as part of its broader international engagement.

"We have to get out of the India fascination. India is just another country, and Bangladesh wants good bilateral relations with it," he said.

Responding to a question, the minister said, "Breakfast in India, lunch in India, dinner in India -- then when will you eat your own food?"

Kobir also confirmed that Prime Minister Rahman is scheduled to travel to New York on 21 September to attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, remaining there through 26 September.

Addressing the potential for a meeting between Rahman and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UNGA, Kobir noted that such bilateral engagements are frequently finalised at the last moment during major international summits.

"The primary focus of the Prime Minister's visit is to address the UN General Assembly," Kobir said, adding that details regarding sideline meetings would be announced in due course.

PTI