New Delhi, August 17: Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set conditions for his visit to India, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to foreign affairs expert Wael Awad, Bangladesh and India should not let the issue of Sheikh Hasina hold their relations hostage. He emphasized the importance of dialogue on significant issues while respecting historical ties, rather than engaging in conflicts over simpler matters.
The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry indicated that Prime Minister Rahman would only visit India if former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is sent back to her country. Awad remarked, “I believe that the issue of Sheikh Hasina should not be a reason to hold India-Bangladesh relations hostage. Hasina has been in India for a long time and is living in exile, so we should not let this issue affect our mutual relations. Bangladesh needs India, and India also requires Bangladesh to become a stable nation. Therefore, I think we should focus on discussing various issues rather than fighting over a trivial one.”
Regarding the bilateral relationship, he noted, “There has certainly been a shift in India-Bangladesh relations, particularly from the Bangladeshi side, as they believe in a ‘Bangladesh First’ policy and are looking to change the terms and conditions for better relations between the two countries.”
Awad further stated, “We all know that for the past 15 years, under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, India and Bangladesh enjoyed strong ties. Now, two years after a government change, the Bangladeshi government wants to make several changes in these bilateral relations.”
He added, “Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy will always require India’s support. India will be a gateway for business, expansion, international recognition, and even the sovereignty of Bangladesh. We must remember that India played a crucial role in helping Bangladesh gain independence.”
Awad concluded that Bangladesh must respect the history shared between the two nations. He does not believe that Bangladesh will negatively alter its relations with India.
AKM Shahidul Karim, spokesperson for the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry, mentioned that officials from both countries have been in contact regarding Tarique Rahman’s visit to India over the past few weeks. A press conference held by Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on August 5 has also influenced Rahman’s trip. Karim stated, “We believe that a conducive environment must be created for this high-level visit.”
Leave a Comment