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The relationship between Bangladesh and India, once celebrated as a 'model of regional cooperation', has faced significant turbulence since the political upheaval in Dhaka last year. The ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2023, marked the beginning of a downward spiral in bilateral ties. A series of diplomatic missteps, inflammatory rhetoric, and unresolved disputes further strained the bond between the two nations.
Against this tense backdrop, the recent meeting between Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, has sparked cautious optimism. The fact that the dialogue took place -- despite uncertainty and resistance from hardliners on both sides -- suggests a mutual desire to mend fences. However, while the meeting may have thawed some of the ice, much more needs to be done to restore trust and ensure sustainable cooperation.
The deterioration in Indo-Bangla relations can be traced to several factors:
The abrupt removal of Sheikh Hasina's government last year created a leadership vacuum, leading to policy paralysis in Dhaka. India, which had enjoyed a close partnership with Hasina's administration, found itself navigating unfamiliar terrain with the new caretaker setup.
Extremist factions in both countries seized the opportunity to fuel tensions. A section of the Indian media launched a relentless campaign portraying Bangladesh as a hotbed of communalism and extremism, further poisoning public sentiment. Similarly, anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh gained traction, with critics accusing New Delhi of interfering in domestic politics.
Key connectivity projects, including rail and road links, were scaled back disrupting trade and people-to-people exchanges. The suspension of previously agreed-upon initiatives deepened mistrust.
Two contentious issues continue to loom large: first one is the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, against whom Bangladesh court issued warrant for crimes against humanity, and the second is the alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, which has been weaponised by hardliners in India to stoke tensions.
The Yunus-Modi meeting was significant for several reasons. Powerful factions in both the countries have been seeking to derail the dialogue. Hate campaigns and malicious propaganda overshadowed the summit, but the fact that the way the talks proceeded was indicative of a mature diplomatic approach from both sides.
Reports suggest that the discussions covered trade, connectivity, security, and minority rights. However, the lack of a detailed joint statement has led to speculations. Transparency is crucial -- any ambiguity risks fueling further distrust.
By engaging directly, both leaders signalled that dialogue, not confrontation, is the way forward. This is a welcome shift from the zero-sum mindset that has dominated the recent discourse.
Prof Yunus and Mr Modi concluded their 'fruitful and honest dialogue by wishing each other good health and personal well-being' and extended their best wishes for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
The meeting discussed India's concern over the condition of minorities in Bangladesh. In response, Chief Adviser said, the reports of attacks on the minorities were hugely inflated and "the bulk of them were fake news". He asked the Indian leader to send Indian newsmen to Bangladesh to investigate the alleged attacks themselves.
In the meeting Bangladesh Chief Adviser also told the Indian Prime Minister that his government had instituted an effective system to monitor every incident of religious and gender violence in the country, and his government was taking serious actions to stop occurrence of such incidents.
It is widely believed that such open and frank discussions will help to remove misunderstanding between the two sides and more dialogues will follow the Bangkok meeting.
The leaders of these two major South Asian countries greeted each other with mutual respect and a shared openness for dialogue. Their 40-minute exchange was 'candid, productive, and constructive'.
The tones of the two leaders are worth reviewing. "Bangladesh deeply values its relationship with India, The deep-rooted friendship between our two countries is founded on intertwined histories, geographical proximity, and cultural affinity. We remain thankful for the unwavering support of the government and people of India during our most challenging time in 1971", said Dr Yunus.
In response, the Indian Prime Minister said New Delhi has always attached highest priority to its relationship with Dhaka. "The history of the two neighbours is intricately linked, and it goes back to the birth of Bangladesh", he said.
So there is no doubt that the Bangkok meeting was a positive step, but sustained efforts are needed to repair the strained relationship.
Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to settle the water sharing issue of the 54 rivers that run across the two countries.
India's failure to ink a deal on the water sharing of the Teesta River caused huge resentment among people in Bangladesh.
In fact the ties between the two countries started souring over water sharing issue when India had commissioned the Farrakhan Barrage on the Ganges River to divert its water.
The signing of the Ganges water sharing deal was a positive step to allay the concern of Bangladesh.
However, since the treaty is going to expire next year it is expected that India will show sincerity to renew the deal.
Policy-level figures in both nations must refrain from making derogatory remarks. Media outlets should also be discouraged from sensationalising bilateral tensions.
Many feel that reviving pre-August 2024 transport and trade links should be revived as well as the pending projects like and power grid connectivity expedited.
India must resolve the Hasina extradition issue in line with the aspirations of the majority people of Bangladesh.
Similarly Bangladesh must address concerns over minority safety, while India should avoid exploiting the issue for domestic politics.
After August 2024, India imposed a curb on normal visa issuance process for Bangladeshi citizens which is viewed in Bangladesh as a retaliatory step. Restoring the normalisation of this process is crucial to restore trust.
At the same time, India must remove the perception that it 'takes more than it gives. A win-win framework -- where Bangladesh gains tangible benefits from cooperation -- is essential.
Progressive voices in both countries must counter hardline narratives and promote people-to-people ties.
As the old adage goes, 'You can change your friends, but not your neighbours', neither India nor Bangladesh can afford prolonged hostility. The historical, cultural, and economic bonds between the two nations are too deep to be severed by short-term political turbulence.
The Yunus-Modi meeting has opened a window for reconciliation. Now, both governments must act openly and sincerely, and demonstrate mutual respect to ensure that this opportunity is not squandered. The people of both countries deserve peace, prosperity, and partnership -- not perpetual tension.