On February 7, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Md. Nural Islam, Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to India, to discuss concerns over recent remarks made by Bangladeshi officials that represent India adversely. The meeting took place at 5:00 p.m. in the South Block.
During the summons, the MEA reiterated India’s desire for a friendly, productive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been echoed in previous high-level discussions. However, the MEA added that it is sad that regular remarks made by Bangladesh authorities continue to represent India unfavourably, holding India accountable for internal governance difficulties, and that these statements are to blame for the ongoing hostility.
The MEA also addressed the statements attributed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that they were made in her personal capacity and that India had no part in them. The MEA emphasised that associating these remarks with the Indian government’s viewpoint would not promote positive bilateral ties.
India has declared that it will continue to work for a mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, but wants Bangladesh to reciprocate in like.
This move followed Bangladesh’s formal complaint to India the day before over allegations made by Sheikh Hasina, specifically about the alleged demolition of her father’s house. Bangladesh further urged that India restrict Hasina from making any more remarks, characterising her words as “false and manufactured” and “regarded as a
