Relations between Bangladesh and India have come under increasing strain over the past year since the formation of Bangladesh’s interim government, with tensions arising on at least five key issues.
These issues include the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, trade restrictions, push-in incidents, visa suspensions, and border killings.
Sheikh Hasina Issue
Following the student-people uprising on 5 August 2024, which led to her ouster from power, Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India. At that time, the Indian government granted her asylum based on a consensus among Indian political parties. Since taking refuge, Hasina has released several audio statements that the Bangladeshi government has deemed provocative. These statements have triggered diplomatic strains between the two countries.
Although Bangladesh has formally requested Hasina’s return, India has yet to respond. Dhaka has also asked New Delhi to prevent her from making political or inciteful remarks from Indian soil, but the Modi administration has not acted on that request. This ongoing impasse has remained a source of bilateral tension.
Trade Restrictions
During the interim government’s tenure, India has imposed trade restrictions on Bangladesh in three phases, further fuelling tensions. On 9 April this year, India revoked Bangladesh’s access to Kolkata airport for exporting goods to international markets, causing disruption and losses to Bangladeshi exporters. Then, on 17 May, India imposed restrictions on the import of several items via land ports. A third round of trade bans followed on 28 June.
In response, the Bangladeshi government has taken a number of countermeasures to mitigate the impact.
Visa Suspensions
In the wake of the political shift in Bangladesh on 5 August, India suspended tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals. As a result, Bangladeshis can no longer travel to India on tourist visas. However, India has continued to issue visas for urgent medical needs and students.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has also tightened visa issuance for Indian nationals. Indian citizens are reportedly facing difficulties obtaining visas from Bangladeshi missions in India. For Bangladeshis who previously had to travel to Delhi for third-country visa applications, alternative arrangements have been introduced. This visa issue remains another sticking point in bilateral relations.
Push-In Incidents
Incidents of push-ins from India have been occurring regularly, further straining bilateral ties. On 22 April, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 Indian nationals. In response, Indian authorities conducted raids in Gujarat, detaining individuals labelled as "illegal Bangladeshis." India has since engaged in mass push-ins, with reports indicating nearly 2,000 people forcibly sent into Bangladesh. Despite Bangladesh issuing four formal letters to stop the practice, push-ins continue.
The Indian side has reportedly been gathering people near the border to facilitate these push-ins, prompting expressions of concern from Dhaka. Human Rights Watch has also raised alarms, claiming that Indian Muslims are being pushed into Bangladesh.
Border Killings
Several incidents of border killings have occurred during the interim government’s tenure, continuing a longstanding issue. In response, Bangladesh has lodged strong protests with India after each incident. Protest notes have been formally delivered, and the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka has been summoned on multiple occasions.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that border killings are "absolutely unacceptable" and emphasized that Bangladesh has adopted a much firmer tone in its diplomatic protests.
Contrasting Developments
Despite rising tensions, there have also been gestures of cooperation. Following the crash of a military aircraft at Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area, the Indian government sent a medical team to treat burn victims. Additionally, on 9 December last year, a Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) was held between the two countries, with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in attendance.
On 4 April this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand. Though the meeting was initially uncertain, it eventually took place, offering a glimmer of hope in otherwise strained relations.
Expert Views
Commenting on the state of Bangladesh-India relations, Professor Shahab Enam Khan of the International Relations Department at Jahangirnagar University told Banglanews that India has yet to grasp the reality in Bangladesh. “This is a weakness in their foreign policy,” he said. “India must move away from its previous strategy of leaning on the Awami League to exert influence in Bangladesh. Without that, bilateral relations will not progress.”
International relations expert Professor Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed also told Banglanews that in the past, India’s relationship was solely with Sheikh Hasina, not with the people of Bangladesh. “New Delhi must now realise that the current Bangladeshi government is not like the previous one. They need to engage with this administration accordingly and also build stronger ties with the Bangladeshi people. That’s the only way to ease tensions.”
Foreign Adviser's Remark
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has, on several occasions, explained the current position of Bangladesh-India relations. He stated, “We seek a relationship with India based on mutual understanding. There is no ambiguity in our position. Regardless of which party or government is in power in either country, that should not impact bilateral ties. Our relationship must be rooted in mutual interest and respect.”
Regarding Sheikh Hasina, Hossain added, “There are multiple legal cases against her. Hence, the Bangladeshi government has requested India to repatriate her so that she may face justice. Until that happens, we expect India at least to impose certain restrictions to prevent her from making inciteful and false statements that provoke public unrest.”
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