Hamidullah urged that India‑Bangladesh ties move beyond a government‑to‑government framework to stronger people‑to‑people relations.
Hyderabad:Despite perceptions that Dhaka was leaning towards China and normalising ties with Pakistan, Bangladesh high commissioner to India Muhammad Riaz Hamidullah said his country was mindful of India’s security interests and “will not become a playground for anyone else.”
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle during a visit to the newspaper office here, Hamidullah said, “Bangladesh works with many countries at different levels… Yet India remains Bangladesh’s predominant trading partner… Our relationship with China is not new. We have had a relationship with China for the last 20 years.”
He acknowledged that events following the 2024 uprising in Dhaka created an impression of adversity between the neighbours, while Bangladesh’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative raised concerns of its inclusion in the so‑called String of Pearls. He stressed, however, that Dhaka remains open and transparent, inviting anyone to “find out ground realities unimpeded by censorship.”
Hamidullah urged that India‑Bangladesh ties move beyond a government‑to‑government framework to stronger people‑to‑people relations. Pitching for Indian investments, he said Indian companies were not tapping Bangladesh’s economic potential, while European businesses were making inroads. He invited Indian universities, technology and agritech firms to set up bases in Bangladesh.
On illegal migration, “irregular movement of people”, he said Bangladesh was ready to take back every national who entered India illegally, subject to identity verification, but asked India to address trafficking channels that facilitate such migration.
He underlined that relations remain stable, with both countries conscious of their mutual interests.
Bangladesh’s sporting links with India were also highlighted. Deputy high commissioner Md. Alimuzzaman, himself a chess player, noted that while Bangladesh had five Grand Masters in 2005 compared to India’s 15, India’s tally has now touched 98. He said cricket, football, chess, shooting and archery remain popular in Bangladesh.
