Dhaka, Delhi relations must be based on equal footing

ALTHOUGH Bangladesh had previously initiated formal and diplomatic contact at a high level with India to ensure that no former political leader facing charges would use Indian territory to make statements capable of inciting political provocation here in the country.

Regrettably, despite clear warnings from Dhaka, Delhi did not attach due importance to the matter.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has characterized the event as a non-official gathering.

But Delhi cannot entirely evade responsibility in light of international diplomatic norms and practices.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and India have stressed the need for a ‘fresh start’ in bilateral relations, signaling a desire to move beyond differences that have strained ties since the July 2024 uprising and rebuild the relationship on the basis of equality, mutual cooperation, and dialogue.

The news came after Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi’s meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday.

During the meeting, the Hasina issue has been a major source of tension since she fled to India on August 5, 2024, following the fall of her government in the July uprising.

At the meeting, Dhaka also asked Delhi to expedite the extradition process for Hasina and those accused of murdering Inquilab Monch spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.

Bangladesh has already provided India with documents regarding the suspected killers of Hadi.

Meanwhile, about Hasina’s extradition, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka in a statement has said India would decide on the matter after conducting a legal examination.

It also conveyed that India intends to work together with Bangladesh in a “positive, constructive, and forward-looking manner”.

Needless to say, respecting a country’s internal politics and halting activities on one’s own soil that undermine the peace and stability of a neighboring country constitute a fundamental basis of international relations.

Granting asylum to a political leader as a guest is one thing, but facilitating their political activities is an entirely different matter.

Political analysts believe that the current situation is fueling resentment within Bangladesh’s political landscape and among the general public, while also negatively impacting bilateral relations.

Bangladesh wants to maintain good relations with India but this should be based on equal respect and mutual interests, not domination.

We are of the opinion that India must realize the necessity of immediately halting any activities originating from its territory that could incite instability in Bangladesh, while treating the latter as an independent, sovereign neighbour of equal standing.

Failure to do so will make it impossible to dispel the prevailing sense of doubt and feeling of being undervalued among the general public.