Bangladesh Seeks to Mend Fences with India Amid Tensions Over Hindu Man's Death
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Bangladesh's finance adviser, Salehuddin Ahmed, expressed optimism about improving relations with India, citing efforts by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to address strained ties. Ahmed said the administration is working to separate economic interests from 'political rhetoric' and prioritize trade deals. The comments come as protests and unrest spread across Bangladesh following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and the killing of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, which sparked outrage in India. India has condemned the violence and killing. Ahmed revealed that Yunus has been speaking to various stakeholders to improve diplomatic relations with India, but emphasized that the trade between the two countries is based on economic considerations, not politics. He highlighted that importing rice from India is cheaper than sourcing it from Vietnam or elsewhere. As analysts predicted that Dhaka-New Delhi relations were at their lowest since Bangladesh's independence, Ahmed downplayed the situation, stating that it's not as dire as it seems. He also emphasized that external forces are not instigating anti-India statements, which he believes are creating a complex situation for Bangladesh. Bangladesh has approved a proposal to purchase 50,000 tonnes of rice from India as a means to improve relations. Ahmed emphasized that the country wants to maintain good relations with India and not let external forces create bitterness between the two nations.
