Bangladesh fumes over Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s ‘caution advice’, calls statement ‘incorrect’ and…, India plans to…

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections in February. However, much like Pakistan, democratic norms have eroded in Bangladesh as well.

New Delhi: The Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh government continues to spew venom against India. The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Rajnath Singh’s comment on Bangladesh and said that his remarks were incorrect and against diplomatic etiquette. However, it also added that Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining mutually beneficial relations with India.

As per the report by the state-run news agency BSS, quoting Foreign Ministry spokesperson S. M. Mahbubul Alam, “We believe Mr. Singh’s comments are incorrect and uncooperative.” Singh had reportedly said that while India does not wish to have strained relations with Bangladesh, Yunus should “exercise caution in his statements.”

Alam emphasized that Bangladesh is committed to a “mutually beneficial relationship based on sovereign equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and mutual respect.”

The minister further added that if any issues arise between the two nations, they should be resolved through constructive and respectful dialogue. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also reiterated that India seeks no tension with Bangladesh.

It is important to note that the relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained after Muhammad Yunus took charge following Sheikh Hasina’s government resignation in August 2024. Recently, a Pakistani warship docked in Bangladesh, marking the first such event since the 1971 war.

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections in February. However, much like Pakistan, democratic norms have eroded in Bangladesh as well. Sheikh Hasina is currently in India’s protection, but her party has already launched a political offensive against the Yunus-led interim government. For now, the only possible path to improving India–Bangladesh relations appears to be the return of the Awami League.