Bangladesh-India Relations Hit Fresh Turbulence

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced on August 5 that she will return to her country in December, following violent student protests that led to her ouster in 2024. In a statement, Hasina expressed her desire to serve her country and its people, despite the risk of imprisonment or execution. She defended her government’s actions against protesters, who she claimed had destroyed public infrastructure and defaced monuments associated with Sheikh Mujibur Rehman.

India has distanced itself from Hasina’s visit, which took place on the second anniversary of her resignation and amid concerns of escalating tensions in Bangladesh-India relations. India has not endorsed Hasina’s return, which has been met with outrage from Bangladesh’s ruling party. India’s support for Hasina’s return and her potential extradition to Bangladesh may ease tensions, but India remains wary due to the BNP government’s growing closeness to China, Turkey, and Pakistan.

A key issue for Bangladesh is the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Accord, which ends this December. With a new government in power in both India and Bangladesh, there is an opportunity to improve relations and address pressing issues such as the Teesta River sharing accord.