Bangladesh: What Policy Will BNP Adopt Towards India? Tariq Rahman Explains In First Conference

Dhaka: Bangladesh's Prime Minister elect Tariq Rahman, has spoken about relations between India and Bangladesh. Excited after the BNP's historic victory in the general elections, Rahman stated that the interests of the country and its citizens will determine Bangladesh's foreign policy. Led by Tariq Rahman, who has been in exile in Bangladesh for 17 years, the BNP won with a two-thirds majority. Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained strained since Sheikh Hasina's departure from power, and all eyes are on the approach of Tariq's government.

What has Tariq Rahman said?

When Tariq Rahman, who spoke to the media for the first time since the official announcement of his victory, was asked about relations with India, he stated that the interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine Dhaka's new foreign policy.

The situation in Bangladesh has steadily deteriorated over the past 18 months since Hasina's departure from power. There have been persistent problems in the economy and law and order. In such a situation, assuming power will not be easy for Rahman. Yunus's interim government left no stone unturned to damage relations with India, and India also strongly criticized the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

What Tariq Rahman's stance on India will be will be revealed in the future. However, giving a glimpse of this, Humayun Kabir, a BNP leader and close associate of Tariq Rahman, stated that the new BNP government wants to strengthen people-to-people relations with India. He said, "International dialogue will also be aligned with domestic priorities. Like other countries in the region, India will also be among the countries visited."

Will Sheikh Hasina be a bone of contention?

Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, is currently living in exile in India. The Yunus government has repeatedly requested Hasina's release from India. Tariq Rahman may also raise the same demand again, as Hasina was responsible for Tariq's 17 years abroad and it was Hasina who imprisoned Khaleda Zia. The BNP has been issuing continuous statements regarding the Sheikh Hasina issue. After winning the Bangladesh elections, the BNP raised the issue of Hasina's extradition. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that his party would formally request India to extradite Hasina to Bangladesh so she could face her trial.