Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has advised the Indian government to extend a hand of friendship to Bangladesh’s newly elected government in the post-election context.
In an article published on Tuesday (10 March) in the influential Indian Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika, Shringla expressed the view that improved engagement between the two neighbours would benefit both sides.
Shringla previously served as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
In the article titled “Fer Bondhutter Haat Barano Jai” (The hand of friendship can be extended again), published on 10 March, he wrote that if Bangladesh’s new government shows sincerity in addressing India’s security concerns, it would be natural for India to reciprocate with cooperation and support.
Relations between the two countries have yet to fully normalise following tensions that emerged after the fall of the Awami League government during the 2024 uprising.
However, Shringla believes the 13th parliamentary election held on 12 February could mark “the beginning of a new chapter” in South Asian politics.
He noted that the emergence of an elected government in Bangladesh could help restore institutional stability and rebuild regional confidence.
Shringla also observed that BNP leader Tarique Rahman had sent relatively positive signals towards India ahead of the election.
bd-pratidin/GR
