Jaipur, January 18, 2026: Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah, called on Saturday for renewed talks and the creation of a “shared space” between the two countries, seeking to improve relations that have been under strain in recent months. Speaking at a session titled Asian Drama during the Jaipur Literature Festival, Hamidullah emphasised the need for mutual respect, recognition, and appreciation to strengthen bilateral cooperation and understanding.

“Half of the Bangladesh population will be urbanised in a few years. The new generation of Bangladesh is aspirational. We are looking at a shared space for both the countries where these aspirations could be fulfilled. I believe it is very much possible to make such a shared space, and begin a mutual conversation with respect, recognition, appreciation, and new calibration,” Hamidullah said.

His remarks come at a time when relations between Dhaka and New Delhi have faced heightened tensions. Bilateral ties deteriorated sharply following the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus in August 2024, after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led administration. Since then, both sides have expressed concerns over political developments, human rights issues, and narratives impacting minority communities.

In recent months, India has cited what it describes as “unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh,” while Dhaka has accused New Delhi of spreading a misleading narrative to influence internal political discourse. Tensions escalated further after protests in Bangladesh over the killing of radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which took on an anti-India tone and raised concerns regarding the safety of Indian diplomatic missions in Dhaka. Both countries have formally lodged complaints through their respective foreign ministries, reflecting the heightened diplomatic sensitivity.

Addressing reports of hostility against Hindu communities in Bangladesh, Hamidullah said, “Whether a society or state, it is all about establishing the rights of any community. Our society responded very promptly. Our government has acted upon every single such case reported. Our entire population has condemned it. I can assure you that these are stray cases. This is not a pattern.” His remarks seek to reassure India that the Bangladeshi government is committed to safeguarding minority rights despite recent reports of isolated incidents.

On the larger political backdrop, Hamidullah contextualised the recent protests that led to the change in Bangladesh’s leadership. He distinguished them from unrest in other countries, saying, “Our protest is very much different from what probably happened in Iran. Every state, every person is different. The protest in Bangladesh came out of some different circumstances—economic deterioration, crime against humanity, institutions being decayed, etc. People felt the oppression becoming a roadblock, and this is when the public—particularly the young population—felt that their rights were being robbed by the authorities and they protested.”

Hamidullah’s call for a “shared space” reflects a recognition of the evolving socio-economic landscape in Bangladesh. With urbanisation accelerating and a growing youth population demanding opportunities and engagement, he suggested that India and Bangladesh could benefit from closer collaboration on trade, education, technology, and cultural exchanges, while addressing bilateral concerns in a mutually respectful framework.

The high commissioner’s appeal also underscores the importance of dialogue in mitigating the risks of political misunderstandings and preventing further diplomatic escalation. Analysts note that India and Bangladesh have a long history of cooperation on border management, trade, water sharing, and regional security. Renewed engagement, Hamidullah indicated, could restore confidence on both sides and create an environment where shared challenges and opportunities can be addressed constructively.

Observers in New Delhi say that while there have been tensions over minority rights and political narratives, both governments have historically preferred negotiation and sustained diplomatic engagement over confrontation. Hamidullah’s remarks at the Jaipur Literature Festival may be seen as a strategic effort to signal Bangladesh’s willingness to reset relations, particularly through soft diplomacy and public messaging that emphasizes mutual respect.

The recent turbulence in bilateral relations coincides with broader regional and global developments. India’s focus on securing its borders, managing migration concerns, and maintaining stable relations with neighboring countries contrasts with Bangladesh’s domestic political transition and its efforts to reassure both its citizens and the international community. Hamidullah’s comments suggest a desire to navigate these complex dynamics through dialogue, transparency, and structured engagement.

Hamidullah concluded by underlining the potential of constructive engagement: “The new generation in Bangladesh is aspirational. If we can create a space where both countries collaborate, where aspirations are recognized and fulfilled, it is possible to take India-Bangladesh relations to a much higher level. Mutual respect, understanding, and calibrated engagement are key to this process.”

With India and Bangladesh sharing a 4,096-kilometre border, intertwined economies, and historical ties, experts say that sustained dialogue will be essential not only to resolve immediate tensions but also to shape long-term cooperation in trade, culture, and security. The high commissioner’s remarks serve as both a reassurance and a call to action for officials and civil society on both sides to engage constructively.

In the coming months, observers expect follow-up discussions between foreign ministry officials and potential high-level visits to reinforce bilateral trust. As Hamidullah stressed, acknowledging each country’s concerns while fostering shared opportunities is central to sustaining peace and prosperity in the region.