Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami party, has called for a recalibration of India’s foreign policy towards Bangladesh, urging New Delhi to adopt a non-interfering stance in the internal affairs of its neighbours. His remarks come at a time when the political atmosphere in Bangladesh is charged, following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim government.
Rahman, in an address to the media, asserted that his party supports strong, harmonious ties with India but emphasized that such relations must be based on mutual respect and non-interference. “India is our closest neighbour, and we seek a stable, harmonious bilateral relationship. However, there have been instances where India’s actions did not sit well with the people of Bangladesh,” he said, referring specifically to what he described as unwarranted interference during the 2014 elections in Bangladesh.
Historical Context and Bilateral Friction
According to Rahman, India’s diplomatic overreach during Bangladesh’s 2014 elections, including a visit by a senior Indian diplomat who allegedly dictated who should and should not participate, was an example of unacceptable interference. “Such actions only serve to create tension and mistrust. India must reevaluate its foreign policy in this regard, as bilateral relations do not mean meddling in each other’s internal matters,” he noted.
His comments are seen as a reflection of the long-standing unease between sections of Bangladesh’s political landscape and India’s perceived role in the country’s internal politics. Historically, India has been a key player in Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan in 1971, and the ties between Dhaka and New Delhi have remained close, particularly under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.
However, Rahman’s Jamaat-e-Islami, which has often been viewed as more aligned with Islamic conservatism and with links to Pakistan, has not always enjoyed smooth relations with India. Rahman sought to clarify his party’s stance on this, stating, “There is a wrong perception that Jamaat-e-Islami is anti-India. We are not against any country. We are pro-Bangladesh, and our sole interest lies in safeguarding the interests of our people. We hope this misunderstanding is cleared.”
Regional Balance and Geopolitical Ties
The Jamaat chief also advocated for a more balanced approach to Bangladesh’s foreign relations, underscoring the need to maintain strong ties not only with India but also with other global and regional powers such as the United States, China, and Pakistan. “We cannot be fixated on the baggage of the past. We need to look forward and ensure that we have stable, equitable relationships with all our neighbours in the subcontinent, including Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka,” Rahman explained.
He went on to highlight the importance of maintaining balanced relations with world powers. “In this globalised world, no country can function in isolation. Bangladesh needs to cultivate strong, stable relationships with both the US and China. Our goal is to pursue a foreign policy that serves the national interest without aligning exclusively with one bloc,” he added.
Concerns Over Flood Management and India’s Role
Rahman also touched upon the recent devastating floods in Bangladesh, which have affected nearly three million people. He called for greater cooperation and communication between India and Bangladesh on shared environmental challenges. “We are not saying that India is responsible for the heavy rains that led to the floods. However, India should have provided us with prior information before releasing water from its dams. This would have helped us manage the situation better and potentially saved lives,” he said.
The floods, exacerbated by monsoon rains and water flow from upstream Indian regions, have added to the challenges faced by Bangladesh’s interim government. Reports from Dhaka have pointed fingers at India’s management of dams along shared rivers, particularly the Gumti River in Tripura. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has refuted these claims, describing them as factually incorrect and emphasising that floods in shared river systems are a common problem for both countries.
Rahman voiced his discontent over the dam’s construction, arguing that “water should be allowed to follow its natural course,” and called for a collaborative approach to managing water resources between the two nations. He also pointed out that natural disasters such as these highlight the need for closer, non-political cooperation between neighbouring countries.
Political Future and Upcoming Elections
With Bangladesh in the midst of a political transition, Rahman outlined Jamaat-e-Islami’s position on the country’s future governance. He was critical of Sheikh Hasina’s decision to flee to India following unrest in Bangladesh, suggesting that she should have remained in the country to face the law. “It would have been better for the country if she had not left. We believe that a leader must be accountable to their people and should not seek refuge abroad during times of crisis,” Rahman said.
Looking ahead, Rahman confirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami plans to participate in the next elections, although the timing remains uncertain. He expressed hope that the interim government would not extend its tenure indefinitely, but would instead pave the way for fresh elections. “We believe the interim government should be given time, but it should not be indefinite. Whenever elections are held, Jamaat will be ready to participate and offer its vision for the future of Bangladesh,” he concluded.
Defending Jamaat’s Record Amid Allegations
Addressing allegations of attacks on the Hindu community by Jamaat activists, Rahman dismissed these claims as baseless and part of a malicious media campaign aimed at discrediting his party. “We are the worst sufferers of the atrocities committed by the Sheikh Hasina government over the last 15 years. Yet, despite all that has happened, Jamaat remains on the ground, and we still enjoy the support of the people,” he said.
Rahman’s remarks signal Jamaat-e-Islami’s readiness to reposition itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s political future, one that seeks balanced relations with its neighbours while standing firm on issues of national sovereignty and internal governance.