There has long been a perception that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has a strained relationship with India.
Some BNP leaders even called for movements to boycott Indian products at various times, even as recent as in March this year.
However, this strain seems to have eased significantly now. After the interim government took charge following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster on August 5, India is rethinking its stance on the issue.
At the same time, the BNP has also taken a more positive approach. This became clear after the recent meeting between BNP leaders and Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma.
But many remain sceptical about how much of the tension has truly dissipated, though BNP leaders claim they never considered India as an enemy.
Indian envoy, BNP secretary general discuss bilateral issuesBNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently told an Indian media outlet that misunderstandings between the BNP and India have begun to clear up, and the relationship will improve further.
Several high-ranking BNP leaders involved in the diplomatic efforts told Dhaka Tribune that India has historically strengthened ties with Awami League over extended periods. They now hope that after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, India will shift its approach, which would benefit all parties.
Reason behind cold relations
Opposition leaders, including those from the BNP, have long accused India of covert influence in every election after 2001.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that questions about the BNP’s relationship with India have persisted since the last election in Bangladesh.
On the other hand, India’s apprehensions about the BNP can be traced back to 2006 when a shipment of weapons, allegedly meant for Indian insurgents in the Northeast, was seized.
This led India to view the then-ruling BNP in a negative light.
However, the BNP has consistently denied any involvement in anti-India activities, dismissing such allegations as targeted propaganda.
Even Fakhrul also pointed out that India’s main concern was security.
However, with the recent visit from the Indian high commissioner to the BNP office, the situation has improved.
Fakhrul reassured the high commissioner that if the BNP were to come to power, it would ensure that Bangladesh’s territory is not used by separatist groups.
He emphasized that India and Bangladesh have always had strong ties, and the recent developments mark a turning point.
Change of wind
Both the BNP and India now appear to be interested in fostering a positive relationship.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, a member of the BNP’s Standing Committee, told Dhaka Tribune that there is no reason for relations between India and the BNP to deteriorate.
He stressed that the BNP wants good relations with all neighbors, including India, based on mutual respect and non-interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
The BNP leader added that the notion of the BNP being “anti-India” is merely propaganda, emphasizing that the party’s primary focus is on its people, and that promoting positive relations with all nations is central to its policy.
With the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the landscape has changed. Now, both the BNP and India want to move forward with a positive relationship.
Equality and mutual respect
When asked about the BNP’s relationship with India, Barrister Rumeen Farhana, BNP’s assistant secretary for international affairs, told Dhaka Tribune: “India is our friend. We want to maintain a positive relationship with them. But this relationship should be based on equality and mutual respect. However, India has, in the past, placed its relationship on a scale, meaning it was primarily with the Awami League. They need to move away from that.”
Regarding steps taken by the BNP to improve relations with India, Rumeen Farhana highlighted a few key demands.
She called for an end to border killings, a fair share of water resources based on international agreements, and a reduction in trade imbalances.
She assured that the BNP would work towards ensuring stability in the region and building a strong, cooperative relationship with India.
She said: “While recent developments indicate a thaw in BNP-India relations, the road ahead may still be challenging. The BNP is optimistic about fostering better ties, but only time will tell how much of the ice has truly melted.”
What political analyst says
Jahangir Sur, a researcher in the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, said that Bangladesh shares borders with India, and this neighbor cannot be changed.
“Bangladesh cannot function without India, and India’s northeastern security depends on stability in Bangladesh. Therefore, India must maintain good relations with all major political forces in Bangladesh,” he said.
Jahangir Sur said: “At the same time, political forces in Bangladesh should avoid adversarial behaviour. Since the BNP is a political force, it has responsibilities, and India should also maintain diplomatic relations with whoever represents the people of Bangladesh. This will benefit both sides.”
