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Bangladesh: BJP Victory in Bengal Won’t Alter Foreign Policy

Bangladesh's junior foreign minister, Shama Obaed Islam, stated that the BJP's victory in the West Bengal assembly elections will not alter Bangladesh's foreign policy. She emphasized that Dhaka's policy is "Bangladesh First" and remains unchanged regardless of which government is in power in another country. Islam also expressed hope that India would soon open tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens. Additionally, she expressed optimism about the renewal of the Ganga Agreement between the two nations.

Key Points: Bangladesh: BJP Win in Bengal Won’t Change Foreign Policy

  • Bangladesh says BJP win in Bengal won't impact foreign policy
  • Dhaka's policy is "Bangladesh First," not influenced by other governments
  • Minister hopes India will soon open tourist visas for Bangladeshis
  • Optimism over renewal of Ganga Agreement between India and Bangladesh
2 min read

BJP victory in West Bengal will not change our foreign policy, says Bangladesh's junior foreign minister

Bangladesh's junior foreign minister says BJP's victory in West Bengal polls will not affect Dhaka's foreign policy, which is based on "Bangladesh First."

"No matter which government is in another country, it does not change our foreign policy. - Shama Obaed Islam"

Dhaka, May 4

After the victory of Bharatiya Janata Party in the West Bengal assembly elections, Bangladesh's junior foreign minister Shama Obaed Islam said that the election results would not impact the country's foreign policy towards India.

She made these remarks while speaking to reporters. She was answering a query about the BJP's massive lead in the West Bengal assembly elections.

"In a country, foreign policy is determined by the nation's interests. In our country, foreign policy, we have said many times before, and we say it again today, is Bangladesh First. No matter which government is in another country, it does not change our foreign policy," Islam said.

"First of all, the BNP should have no stance on this. The election is taking place in India; it is India's internal matter, about India's democracy. But as a democratic country, since Bangladesh has established a democratic political government after a long time through a free election, in Bangladesh we have always said that democracy should be established in our country, and we want, along with India, all the countries around us to establish democracy", she added.

Islam, in her remarks, also hoped that India would open a tourist visa for Bangladeshis. Essential medical visas and some urgent visas continue to be issued between India and Bangladesh.

"I hope India will open tourist visas. The discussions we have had among us, especially with our Foreign Minister and the Indian side, have indicated that they will open tourist visas soon", she said.

On the Ganga Agreement between Bangladesh and India coming to an end this year, the Junior Minister Shama Obaid Islam expressed optimism and said that discussions are underway on the issue.

"Yes, we will have discussions on this. I am very optimistic. Our Ministry of Water Resources will also work on this with India".

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Ravi K
It's good that they are separating domestic politics from foreign policy. But I hope the Ganga water sharing issue is resolved fairly. We need more dialogues on that.
A
Arun Y
Why is there so much speculation about BJP win affecting relations with Bangladesh? India's foreign policy is consistent. We have had good ties with Bangladesh under both UPA and NDA. This statement just confirms the obvious.
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Sunita J
The tourist visa issue is important. Many Bangladeshis want to visit India and see places like Kolkata, Delhi, Agra. Hope India resumes tourist visas soon. It will boost people-to-people ties. 😊
D
Deepika L
BNP should mind their own business, as the minister said. Indian elections are India's internal matter. Some opposition parties in Bangladesh unnecessarily try to create drama. Focus on your own country's development.
R
Raghav A
Respect for Bangladesh's pragmatic approach. But I'm concerned about the Ganga Treaty - it's crucial for both nations. Water sharing needs to be based on scientific data and mutual benefit, not just political optics.
T
Tanya I
"Bangladesh First" - very similar to "India First". That's how sovereign nations should think. Friends with everyone, but

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