The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Tuesday expressed “sincere gratitude” to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his concern over the deteriorating health of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. PM Modi had earlier conveyed that he was “deeply concerned to learn about the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, who has contributed to Bangladesh’s public life for many years,” and added that India “stands ready to extend all possible support, in whatever way we can.” The BNP acknowledged this gesture, appreciating India’s willingness to assist and describing it as a demonstration of goodwill.
This development has drawn attention given India’s historically cautious relationship with the BNP, which has largely been shaped by security concerns and political alignment issues in Dhaka over the past two decades. The recent exchange comes at a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s political landscape, following the exit of Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim administration under Muhammad Yunus.
India–BNP Relations: Historical Context and Strategic Calculations
India’s ties with the BNP have historically been marked by wariness. During BNP’s tenure in power from 2001 to 2006, bilateral relations were strained due to border security concerns and allegations that anti-India groups were operating from Bangladeshi territory. A major incident in 2004 involved the discovery of ten truckloads of weaponry at Chattogram’s CUFL jetty, which New Delhi claimed were intended for insurgent groups in India’s northeast.
Over the years, Indian authorities also raised concerns about BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s alleged proximity to fundamentalist networks and the ISI. The party’s alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami further intensified India’s caution. As a result, India maintained minimal direct engagement with the BNP, focusing instead on strategic and security ties with Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.
The political shift following Hasina’s departure on August 5 last year forced India to recalibrate its engagement strategy. With the interim government under Muhammad Yunus in place, BNP emerged as a central political actor. However, decades of limited contact meant that New Delhi had few direct channels with BNP leadership, even as the party signaled readiness to cooperate on matters of mutual interest.
Indian officials, including representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, initiated dialogues with BNP leaders. This included meetings with Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and outreach to Tarique Rahman in London. The engagement aimed to establish channels for dialogue, ensuring that BNP’s future role in Bangladesh’s political process would align with India’s strategic interests.
Recent Developments and BNP’s Strategic Positioning
The BNP responded positively to India’s outreach. The party recognised that India’s support would be vital not only for domestic political stability but also in managing pressure from Western governments and the interim administration. A key breakthrough occurred on September 22 last year, when Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met BNP leaders at their Dhaka headquarters. Alamgir described the meeting as a “turning point,” reiterating that BNP would not permit Bangladeshi territory to be used against India.
To signal goodwill, BNP ensured protection for religious minorities during major festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami and Durga Puja and opposed extremist calls to ban groups such as ISKCON. These measures were seen as an attempt to demonstrate the party’s alignment with India’s security interests and broader regional stability. By late 2024, India quietly began supporting BNP’s demand for early elections, citing political stability as a priority. BNP leaders also lobbied the interim administration to ensure timely elections, which were subsequently announced for 2026.
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who has been in self-exile in London for 26 years, announced in October his intention to return to Bangladesh and contest the upcoming national elections expected by February next year. With the Awami League barred from contesting, BNP is poised as the principal participant, positioning itself as the main opposition and potential governing force.
India’s diplomatic engagement under PM Modi has emphasized continuity irrespective of political transitions in Dhaka. By extending support to Khaleda Zia and engaging BNP leaders, India aims to maintain stable bilateral ties and ensure that Bangladeshi territory is not misused against Indian security interests. The BNP has also distanced itself from Jamaat-e-Islami, reiterated its commitment to political stability, and emphasized addressing citizen demands while avoiding the destabilizing patterns observed in neighboring Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This renewed engagement reflects India’s broader strategic objective of sustaining influence across Bangladesh’s political spectrum while safeguarding regional security. As the national elections approach, India’s balanced outreach to both ruling and opposition actors will likely shape Dhaka-New Delhi relations and contribute to political stability in the country.
