Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Remarks Prompt Debate Over India Ties
Bangladesh’s foreign affairs minister made comments about changing how Bangladesh deals with India.
He said Bangladesh should not depend too much on India, while still wanting friendly relations.
His comments caused a debate.
He later explained that Bangladesh wants to improve ties through direct talks and visits.
Bangladesh also plans to discuss border problems with India using diplomatic channels and existing agreements.
The government is reviewing 101 agreements as part of a parliamentary process.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Bangladesh will also hold an event about the Rohingya crisis during the visit.
State Minister Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh should move beyond its fascination with India while maintaining good bilateral relations.
Kobir said Dhaka wants to reset ties with Delhi after 15 years of uneasy relations under the previous government.
He emphasized direct bilateral discussions and visits with India rather than relying on multilateral forums.
Bangladesh plans to address border concerns diplomatically and is examining 101 memorandums of understanding through parliamentary processes.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit New York from September 21 to 26 for the 81st United Nations General Assembly session.
- Who
- Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
- What
- Kobir’s remarks about moving beyond Bangladesh’s fascination with India sparked debate as he outlined plans to reset bilateral ties.
- When
- Kobir’s remarks were reported before Tarique Rahman’s planned September 21–26 visit to New York.
- Where
- The remarks were made at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the planned diplomatic visit is to New York.
- Why
- Bangladesh wants to establish a new working relationship with India after what Kobir described as 15 years of uneasy ties, using direct bilateral engagement.
Reduced Dependence on India
Bilateral Engagement With India
How Bangladesh should approach India
Reduced Dependence on India
Kobir said Bangladesh should move beyond its fascination with India, describing India as just another country.
Bilateral Engagement With India
Kobir clarified that Bangladesh wants a good working relationship with India and intends to reset ties through direct bilateral engagement.
Multilateral meetings
Reduced Dependence on India
Bangladesh’s first step toward closer ties with a country should be a direct bilateral visit rather than a meeting on the sidelines of a global event, according to Kobir.
Bilateral Engagement With India
Kobir clarified that his comments applied specifically to India and did not mean Bangladesh would avoid meeting other countries at multilateral events.
- Bangladesh official
- Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs
- India policy
- Bangladesh wants good bilateral relations but says it should move beyond excessive fascination with India.
- Proposed approach
- Direct bilateral discussions and visits rather than relying on multilateral forums.
- Border issues
- Bangladesh says it will raise concerns through diplomatic channels, international law, border protocols and existing agreements.
- Agreements under review
- 101 memorandums of understanding are reportedly being examined through the parliamentary process.
- Prime minister’s schedule
- Tarique Rahman is scheduled to be in New York from September 21 to 26 for the 81st United Nations General Assembly session.
- Rohingya crisis
- Bangladesh plans to hold a side event focused on the Rohingya crisis.