NEW DELHI : During his inaugural trip to India as Bangladesh’s new Foreign Minister, Dr Hasan Mahmud addressed the burgeoning anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh, dismissing the “India Out” campaign in an exclusive conversation. Dr. Mahmud asserted, “Before, anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh existed, but this ‘India Out’ narrative is no longer effective; such sentiments are diminishing.”
The ‘India Out’ campaign, gaining traction in Dhaka after a similar movement in the Maldives, is being spearheaded by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), sparking concerns over potential ramifications. The BNP’s stance, as the largest opposition party in Bangladesh, underscores the gravity of the situation. Moreover, recent allegations of Indian interference in national elections have escalated tensions, leading to calls for boycotting Indian goods in Bangladesh.
Dr Mahmud’s visit to India coincides with PM Sheikh Hasina’s fifth-term victory, marking a landslide win in parliamentary elections. Emphasizing the historical ties between India and Bangladesh, Dr. Mahmud highlighted India’s pivotal role in Bangladesh’s independence war, underscoring the enduring bond between the two nations. He further described the last decade as a “Golden chapter” in bilateral relations, positioning Bangladesh-India ties as a model for the region.
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During his bilateral discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subramanyam Jaishankar, Dr Mahmud conducted a comprehensive review of various facets of India-Bangladesh relations, including cross-border connectivity, defence and security, energy, water resources, and people-to-people exchanges.
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Minister dismisses “India out” campaign, stating such sentiments are diminishing.
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The Ministry of External Affairs hailed Dr. Mahmud’s visit as a significant step in strengthening the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Bangladesh. It emphasized the importance of ongoing high-level exchanges, envisioning a forward-looking engagement between the two nations under the new term of Bangladesh’s government.