Bangladesh Will Not Act Against India's Security Interests: Envoy Riaz Hamidullah | Exclusive

Last Updated:March 27, 2026, 16:43 IST

Speaking on Bangladesh’s Independence Day, High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah signalled reassurance on bilateral ties in an exclusive conversation with News18 India.

Speaking to News18 India on the occasion of Bangladesh’s 56th Independence Day, observed on March 26, High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said Dhaka would not undertake any action that affects India’s comfort or security.

“Bangladesh will never do anything that goes against India’s comfort. On security matters, Bangladesh will not do anything that goes against India. Both our countries should feel assured and at ease," Hamidullah said.

He added that a positive signal for future relations had already emerged through a message sent by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating how the leadership of both nations intends to shape the relationship going forward.

“There is a new atmosphere emerging between the leadership of both countries," he noted.

Referring to recent political developments in Bangladesh, he said the country witnessed 19 days of peaceful elections, adding that visiting Indian journalists had also observed the ground situation.

“It has been a month since the elections and everything in Bangladesh is stable. Those who feared instability have been proven wrong," he said, describing Bangladesh as an open society where public debate is natural and often loud.

The High Commissioner also stressed the need to move beyond past differences in bilateral ties. “We cannot move forward by constantly looking at the past. Thinking about what happened earlier will not help us progress. Both countries must look ahead," he said.

Ties between Bangladesh and India had come under severe strain during the tenure of Bangladesh’s interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus. However, after Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman became prime minister following his party’s victory in the parliamentary polls, both New Delhi and Dhaka are making efforts to rebuild the relationship.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, speaking at the National Day reception at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, described India-Bangladesh ties as strategic, people-focused, and both resilient and forward-looking.

Highlighting shared history and deep cultural bonds, Singh said Bangladesh’s Independence Day “stands as a testament to the spirit of self-determination and the extraordinary resilience" of its people, while recalling the shared legacy of the 1971 Liberation War.

“Bangladesh’s Independence Day marks a defining moment in our shared history… These profound bonds of solidarity continue to underpin our bilateral partnership, which is grounded in trust, shared values, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region," he said.

The minister also emphasised ongoing efforts to expand connectivity through rail, road, inland waterways and energy networks, noting that such cooperation has enhanced economic opportunities and fostered deeper social and cultural exchanges.

Welcoming the newly formed government in Bangladesh, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had engaged early with Dhaka’s leadership, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla representing India at the swearing-in ceremony — a gesture he described as a reflection of India’s commitment to democratic values and partnership.

Meanwhile, Hamidullah also highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries, recalling India’s support during the 1971 war.

“We remember so many across India who stood by us — emotionally, physically, materially — in West Bengal, Tripura, other parts of the North-East, and beyond," he said.

“Bangladesh and India share a unique and multidimensional relationship… Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reiterated commitment to maintain a pragmatic and mutually respectful and beneficial partnership with India, for shared prosperity," he added.

On the ongoing tensions in West Asia, the envoy said it remains to be seen how the crisis will impact the broader region. “The implications of the West Asia crisis are yet to be fully seen," he added.

News india Bangladesh Will Not Act Against India's Security Interests: Envoy Riaz Hamidullah | Exclusive

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