Bangladesh has called for a “reset” in its relationship with India, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir saying Dhaka wants to build a new engagement based on mutual interests and direct bilateral discussions.

Bangladesh wants a new beginning

Kobir described relations with India during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as “uncomfortable” and said Bangladesh now wants to move towards a different relationship.

“We want to move towards a new relationship,” Kobir told reporters, stressing that discussions should take place through bilateral channels rather than multilateral forums.

He also called for Bangladesh to adopt a more balanced foreign policy and avoid what he described as an “excessive preoccupation” with India.

BRICS absence highlights tensions

The comments came shortly after Bangladesh said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not attend the BRICS Summit in India because he had not been invited in his capacity as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister.

India had invited Rahman as chair of BIMSTEC, while a separate bilateral invitation had reportedly been extended earlier.

The BRICS Summit concluded on Sunday, amid continuing strains between New Delhi and Dhaka.

Hasina issue remains sensitive

Relations between the two countries have faced difficulties since Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh following the youth-led agitation in August 2024 and subsequently received refuge in India.

Her presence in India remains a sensitive issue in Bangladesh-India relations, alongside wider questions involving diplomatic and bilateral cooperation.

Kobir said Bangladesh wants good relations with India but stressed that the country should treat India as one of its partners rather than place excessive focus on the neighbouring country.

Tarique Rahman set for UN visit

Kobir also said Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to New York on September 21 for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to remain there until September 26.

Asked about a possible meeting with US President Donald Trump, Kobir said such meetings are often finalised during major international conferences and that details would be known later.