Sheikh Hasina’s activities in India ‘principal challenge’ in planning Bangladesh PM’s visit: Humaiyun Kobir

The “principal challenge” in planning a visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India are the activities of deposed premier Sheikh Hasina and her team who are based in India, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Humaiyun Kobir on Monday (October 5, 2026).

Responding to questions from The Hindu on the sidelines of the ongoing Bay of Bengal Conversation organised by Dhaka’s Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), Mr. Kobir emphasised the importance of “strategic autonomy” for Bangladesh and said India has to appreciate the “challenges of a newly elected government” in Bangladesh. He further argued that activities of the exiled leaders of the Awami League will not help India.

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‘Destabilising a foreign country’

“The visit will be bilateral but there are challenges and through dialogue we will overcome them. The principal challenge is not too much to ask for. Sheikh Hasina and her team are stationed in Delhi and they are trying to destabilise a foreign country sitting in Delhi. This does not benefit India either,” said Mr. Kobir calling on India to restrain Ms. Hasina and her team.

Mr Kobir accused Ms. Hasina of killing around 2,000 Bangladeshi citizens during the crackdown of the uprising of July-August 2024 and described her as a “terrorist”. He said that Bangladesh’s people need a “clean break” from the past as they have sacrificed lives in the process of overthrowing the previous government of Ms. Hasina that ruled for more than 15 years. He, however, said there are ongoing talks with India that have been welcomed in Dhaka.

“We are seeing some positive signs as India is trying to restrain them. That is the norm between two countries. If they (Hasina and her team) are restrained, then there will be no problem in the [bilateral] relationship,” said Mr Kobir asserting that ties with India are a priority for Dhaka. “The visit of Prime Minister will take place at a conducive time and I am hopeful. PM has never said that he will not visit [India],” said Mr. Kobir highlighting the role of Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi in this regard.

Indian High Commissioner’s role

“The Indian High Commissioner here is doing a good role. He is trying and hopefully Delhi will be receptive to his opinion and if they give importance to his opinion, then we are ready to engage across the board. We are carrying out our consultations,” said Mr. Kobir describing the Awami League leadership as a “hindrance” to normalisation of Delhi-Dhaka ties.

The State Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Bangladesh is ready to discuss all issues but expects some “reciprocation”. “When two governments sit down to discuss keeping in mind national interests, all issues can be addressed,” he said arguing that Bangladesh will not allow anyone to work against India’s interest sitting in Dhaka and he expects similar action from India.

Earlier, Mr. Kobir delivered a “ministerial address” at the Bay of Bengal Conversation and said Bangladesh seeks “strategic autonomy” in foreign affairs but will maintain strong relation with global and regional stakeholders.

“Our foreign policy must respond to the changes in Bangladesh. We seek engagement with all based on mutual respect and mutual benefit and national interest. We want a strong partnership but we also want strategic autonomy,” said Mr. Kobir delivering his speech where he did not mention India or any other global partners of his country. Later, speaking to The Hindu, he elaborated on his idea of strategic autonomy and said, “Every country likes strategic autonomy. India likes its strategic autonomy. Bangladesh too likes its strategic autonomy. This idea is more about what we require.”

(The correspondent is visiting Dhaka as a guest of the Centre for Governance Studies to participate at the Bay of Bengal Conversation)