On September 8, 2024, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of the interim government of Bangladesh underscored the importance of fostering amicable relations with India, emphasizing that such relationships must be rooted in principles of equity and fairness. At a gathering attended by students who actively participated in the recent student-led revolution that culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mr. Yunus articulated his views on the matter.

According to Mr. Yunus, as conveyed by his special assistant, Mahfuj Alam, maintaining constructive ties with neighboring India is essential; however, it is paramount that these relations are established on a foundation of mutual respect. He further remarked on the necessity of reinvigorating the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to facilitate enhanced regional collaboration.

The context of these declarations is significant, as they follow the recent political shifts in Bangladesh, notably the departure of Ms. Hasina to India on August 5 after widespread protests against her administration’s controversial government job quota system. During his statements, Mr. Yunus conveyed a clear message to Indian authorities, insisting that New Delhi should move away from the perception that stability in Bangladesh is solely linked to Hasina’s leadership.

Additionally, on the same day, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, expressed his surprise regarding comments made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Mr. Singh had suggested that it was prudent for military leaders to assess the current situations in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and Bangladesh in order to anticipate potential conflicts. In response, Mr. Hossain remarked on the lack of any immediate concern regarding threats to peace between the two nations, questioning the rationale behind Minister Singh’s remarks.

These sentiments reflect a broader desire for stability and cooperation in the region, indicative of the ongoing efforts by Bangladesh’s interim government to navigate its international relations amidst changing political dynamics.

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