Desk : Following his historic victory in the general elections, Bangladesh’s probable Prime Minister Tariq Rahman has shared his first remarks regarding relations with India. Returning to power after 17 years in exile, Rahman’s BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the parliament.
Speaking to the media after the official announcement of the results, Tariq Rahman said that the new foreign policy of Bangladesh will be guided by the interests of the country and its citizens. He clarified that while dialogue with regional countries, including India, will continue, the primary focus will remain on domestic priorities.
BNP close aide Humayun Kabir also indicated that the new government intends to strengthen people-to-people relations with India. He said, “Alongside domestic priorities, international engagement will also take place. India will be among the countries visited and engaged with diplomatically.”
However, challenges await Tariq Rahman as he assumes office. Over the past 18 months, following Sheikh Hasina’s rule, Bangladesh has faced economic and law-and-order difficulties. Additionally, the BNP has raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of BNP’s standing committee, stated that the party will formally request India to extradite Sheikh Hasina so she can face her pending legal cases in Bangladesh.
The future course of India–Bangladesh relations and the question surrounding Sheikh Hasina will become clearer in the coming months, but the early signals from Tariq Rahman’s government suggest a balanced and farsighted diplomatic approach.