The political dynamics between Bangladesh and India are undergoing a significant shift. Following the historic student-led uprising on August 5 that ended a 16-year autocratic rule, India's longstanding influence in Bangladesh appears to be waning. Since then, Indian media and social platforms have continued to spread misinformation and propaganda against Bangladesh.
However, the people of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a major political force, have consistently challenged India’s foreign policies, accusing it of disregarding Bangladesh’s national interests.
BNP leaders and supporters have long opposed India’s alleged interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, particularly its unwavering support for the Awami League in disputed elections.
Despite facing years of repression, attacks, imprisonments, disappearances, and even killings of its leaders and supporters, BNP has remained resilient under the leadership of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The party has historically advocated for a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy, prioritizing national interests over external influences.
In 1991, when BNP was in power, the party tried to improve commercial ties with India. However, problems arose over the Teesta water-sharing deal, border killings, and transit issues.
However, BNP tried to improve diplomatic ties with India after the 2014 and 2018 national elections, but India continued to support the Awami League, ignoring BNP’s positive approach. These efforts were unpopular among BNP’s supporters who were critical of India, and they distanced themselves from the party as it tried to win favor with India.
Recently, BNP’s strong stance against India’s "big brother" role has gained tremendous support from its followers and general people. Many believe that India never truly cared about Bangladesh’s interests and only supported the previous government blindly that was responsible for bloodshed on August 5.
India's diplomatic approach toward Bangladesh and the BNP appears to be shifting. On September 22, the Indian High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner in Bangladesh held a meeting with BNP representatives, signaling India's potential interest in establishing a new relationship with the BNP ahead of the upcoming national elections.
According to BNP leaders, the party is now stronger than ever. BNP believes efforts are on to tarnish party’s name.
They said BNP's position on neighboring India is clear; they will adopt a firm diplomatic stance on unresolved issues with the country.
On February 17, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, speaking at a protest in Lalmonirhat to save the Teesta River, called on India to stop its "big brother" behavior.
He said that Bangladesh's claims over the Teesta water and border killings should be recognized.
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the party wants good relations with neighboring countries, but only if Bangladesh’s interests are protected. If India does not provide its fair share of water, BNP will seek help from the United Nations.
Shama Obayed, BNP’s Organizing Secretary and member of the International Affairs Subcommittee told Banglanews, "Bangladesh’s relationship with India must be based on fairness."
She said that BNP’s foreign policy focuses on multilateral economic relations, bilateral trade, and cooperation with any country, including India, as long as it is fair.
When asked if India wants BNP to come to power for its own interests, Obayed criticized India’s foreign policy, saying it had favored one party in the past, which led to problems.
Regarding BNP’s future foreign policy, she explained that it aims to stabilize the economy, which is currently unstable. BNP is focusing on strengthening economic and trade relations with the world including Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
However, the party is now concentrated on the upcoming national elections, she added.
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said his party’s one and only policy is "Bangladesh First."
Regarding future relations with India, he said they would be based on three principles: mutual respect, mutual benefit, and non-interference.
Dr. S. M. Reza, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University, told Banglanews that the BNP is not anti-India but rather a pro-Bangladesh political party.
When asked whether the BNP should take a tougher stance against India in the interest of Bangladesh’s sovereignty in the future, Dr. S. M. Reza replied, “Traditionally, the BNP is not a pro-India party; it is a pro-Bangladesh party, which is what we also want. However, you cannot move forward by sidelining a neighbour.”
“In such a situation, what the BNP must do in the future is follow a 'Bangladesh First' policy. The BNP should represent Bangladesh’s interests,” said the political science professor.
When asked whether India, which has politically disregarded the BNP for the past 16 years, now sees the party as important, Dr. S. M. Reza said, “India is a very politically mature country, and naturally, they will try to establish relations with the BNP, as it is currently the most prominent political party. Now, it is up to the BNP to decide what kind of relationship they want with India—one similar to the Awami League's approach or one based on their own principles.”
He further said, “Ignoring India in matters of national interest is not an option, but your politics should be such that India is compelled to consider Bangladesh’s perspective. There must be a win-win situation for the country.”
BDST: 1348 HRS, March 23, 2025
MSK/SMS
