Bangladesh says India is ‘just another country’ as Dhaka pushes bilateral reset

Bangladesh wants to “reset” relations with India and move beyond what state minister for foreign affairs Humaiun Kobir described as a 15-year “uncomfortable” relationship under an “authoritarian, corrupt and exploitative” regime.

“We have to get out of the fascination with India. India is just another country, and Bangladesh wants good bilateral relations with it,” Kobir told reporters.

He said future engagement should focus on direct bilateral discussions rather than meetings at multilateral forums, while clarifying that Bangladesh would still hold sideline meetings at international gatherings.

Kobir said border disputes would be addressed through diplomatic channels and in accordance with international law and existing agreements.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York from Sept. 21-26, where Bangladesh also plans a high-level discussion on the Rohingya crisis.