Bangladesh’s interim government has made it clear that it does not wish to pursue a bitter relationship with a major neighbour like India, and instead aims to strengthen bilateral ties while maintaining economic stability, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat, Ahmed stressed that the current administration is committed to improving relations with New Delhi, irrespective of recent political rhetoric and tensions.
Interim government’s stand on India ties
“The current interim government does not want any kind of bitter relationship with a big neighbour like India. Rather, the government’s main goal is to further develop bilateral relations and maintain economic stability,” Ahmed said.
He underlined that cordial relations with a neighbouring country of India’s stature serve the interests of both nations and are essential for regional stability.
Yunus personally engaged in easing tensions
Ahmed said that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is personally involved in efforts to ease tensions and restore normalcy in ties with New Delhi. According to him, the government has no intention of allowing relations with India to deteriorate, even amid internal political churn.
Anti-India rhetoric ‘purely political’
Addressing recent anti-India statements made in Bangladesh, Ahmed clarified that such rhetoric is “purely political” and does not reflect the government’s position. “Regardless of the political backdrop, the government aims to preserve constructive relations at the state level,” he said.
He also added that the interim administration would not be provoked by external attempts to strain relations and is proceeding cautiously while safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interests.
Trade cooperation to continue
Reassuring markets and traders, Ahmed said bilateral trade will not be affected by the prevailing political climate. He confirmed that a decision has been taken to import 50,000 metric tonnes of rice from India, signalling continued economic cooperation between the two countries.
Background of unrest
Since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year, Bangladesh has witnessed heightened political instability and a surge in anti-India sentiment. This period has also seen increased engagement between Dhaka’s interim government and Pakistan, alongside concerns over the growing influence of Islamic extremist groups.
With general elections scheduled for February — the first since Hasina’s exit — the country remains in a sensitive transition phase. Against this backdrop, the interim government’s emphasis on stable relations with India is being closely watched both domestically and internationally.