India to Explore Diplomatic Ties with Bangladesh Ahead of Elections

India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar Met with Tarique Rahman Ahead of Bangladesh Elections

In the lead-up to elections in Bangladesh and India, regional leaders gathered in Dhaka for the funeral of deceased former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. On December 30, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter to Tarique Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia, who has taken over leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). A meeting between Jaishankar and Rahman was held in Dhaka, where Jaishankar expressed condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people.

Jaishankar’s comments mark a significant shift in India’s relationship with the BNP, which has historically been viewed with suspicion by New Delhi due to its alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh’s largest Islamist group. In contrast, India had previously supported Khaleda’s rival, Sheikh Hasina, and her Awami League party.

The recent student-led uprising in July 2024 toppled Hasina’s 15-year rule, prompting strong anti-India sentiments on Bangladeshi streets. Hasina now lives in exile in New Delhi, and India has refused to return her to Bangladesh due to charges related to the crackdown by her security forces on protesters last year.

The United Nations estimates that about 1,400 people died in the crackdown. Bilateral relations have continued to deteriorate since then, with protests against India picking up again in Bangladesh and a Hindu Bangladeshi man being lynched. The BNP is seen as a frontrunner competing to form the next government after the February elections.

Rahman has made statements that are more palatable to New Delhi, including his desire for an inclusive Bangladesh where minorities are safe. His words suggest that he has “matured during his years in exile.”

Source: Al Jazeera