The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) celebrated its 75th anniversary on Wednesday, marking a milestone in cultural diplomacy and its enduring role in strengthening the India-Bangladesh relationship through vibrant cultural exchange. To commemorate the occasion, the Indian Cultural Centre, under the High Commission of India in Dhaka, hosted a celebratory event featuring traditional performances and reflections on the legacy of the ICCR. Speaking at the event, Deputy High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, Shri Pawan Badhe, said the anniversary not only celebrates ICCR’s journey since its inception in 1950 but also highlights the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Bangladesh. “The occasion not only celebrates ICCR’s legacy but also reflects the shared cultural heritage and enduring people-to-people ties between India and Bangladesh,” he said. Since its foundation, ICCR has played a key role in promoting India’s cultural heritage abroad through a wide range of artistic, educational, and cultural initiatives. In Bangladesh, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) was established in Dhanmondi in 2011, followed by the Indian Cultural Centre in Gulshan in 2021. Over the years, these centres have hosted numerous programs including classical dance and music performances, literary events, film screenings, exhibitions, and workshops, contributing to deeper artistic collaboration between the two nations. Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki Wednesday’s event featured a special performance of 'Lai Haraoba' by members of the Manipuri community from Sylhet, trained by Indian experts. The performance was presented as a symbol of shared heritage and ICCR’s commitment to preserving traditional art forms and empowering local communities. IGCC students also presented captivating performances in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Hindustani Classical Music, showcasing the cultural vibrancy nurtured through the Centre’s programs. Beyond cultural engagement, ICCR also fosters educational ties by offering over 500 scholarships annually to Bangladeshi students pursuing higher studies in India—further strengthening the academic and people-to-people connections between the neighbouring countries. Dignitaries, artistes, students and cultural enthusiasts attended the event.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Friday enquired about the status of Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina which remains pending with the Indian government. Dr Yunus discussed the issue during the much-talked-about bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. He noted that the former Prime Minister had been making inflammatory remarks in various media outlets and attempting to destabilise the situation in Bangladesh, which seemed to be an abuse of the hospitality India has extended to her. "She has consistently made false and inflammatory accusations against the interim government of Bangladesh," Prof Yunus stated. "We request that the Government of India take appropriate measures to restrain her from continuing to make such incendiary statements while she remains in your country," said the Chief Adviser. Addressing the challenges facing the relationship between the two countries, Prof Yunus said, "Excellency, we seek to work together with you to set the relationship on the right track for the benefit of both our peoples." Dr Yunus called for discussions to renew the Ganges Water Treaty and conclude the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. "All issues of mutual interests were discussed. The meeting was very constructive, productive and fruitful," Alam said about the 40-minute exchange between the two leaders. The bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit is viewed as the most significant development in Dhaka-Delhi relations since the July Uprising in Bangladesh. This was the first-ever in-person meeting between the two South Asian leaders since the formation of Bangladesh's interim government last August 8, following the fall of the previous government three days earlier. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi during their bilateral meeting. The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Dr Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015. Prof Yunus also referenced the OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Report, which confirmed serious human rights violations and abuses committed by security forces and armed Awami League activists between July 15 and August 5, 2024.

President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended felicitations on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh with India reiterating its commitment to advancing partnership for peace, stability and prosperity. "We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," Modi said in a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Modi extended his felicitations to Dr Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh. "This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership," said the Indian Prime Minister. He said the spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for the relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples. President Droupadi Murmu, in her message to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day." Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 She said Bangladesh-India relations are multi-faceted with our cooperation encompassing diverse areas such as trade, multimodal connectivity, development partnership, power and energy, education, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to people exchanges. The Indian President said Bangladesh is at the focus of India's "Neighborhood First" and "Act East" policies. "Our SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision. India reiterates its support for a democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh," she said.

India has not responded yet on Dhaka's request, seeking a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand early next month. "No, there has been no response," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday when a journalist asked whether there was any response from Delhi regarding the possible meeting of the two leaders. On Wednesday, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. On March 21, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they have no update to share regarding a likely bilateral meeting between the two leaders. “On the meeting that you asked, a bilateral meeting, I don't have any update to share at this point in time,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly briefing in New Delhi when a journalist wanted to know whether there was a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Summit. The MEA Spokesperson also said Bangladesh-India relationship is a wide canvas and they have been engaged with Bangladesh on several issues - development cooperation, economic matters and on issues of connectivity. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements Dr Yunus is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Thailand to attend the BIMSTEC Summit, to be held on April 2-4 in Bangkok. Thailand will host the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of Bimstec there, officials said. Thailand has taken over the Bimstec Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently said the Summit will have some significant outcomes. "It will set a direction for the future of Bimstec," he said. Dr Yunus said Dhaka has always insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will be the best relationship ever. Because, he explained, the fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together and they cannot be isolated from each other. “So, we are always encouraging everything to happen in the best possible way,” Dr Yunus told BBC in a most recent interview, adding that the clouds due to some fake news are not part of the relationship that the two countries enjoy. The Chief Adviser thinks Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. “We will continue to do it,” he said, describing India as a good business partner of Bangladesh.

India has laid emphasis on resolving all issues in Bangladesh through democratic means and by holding “inclusive and participatory” elections. At a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said they support a “stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive” Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding “inclusive and participatory” elections. He expressed concerns over "deteriorating law and order situation" in Bangladesh which has been further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes. Toby Cadman asks Bangladesh to refer July massacres case to ICC, change ICT’s name Officials of Bangladesh and India held the 86th meeting of the Joint River Commission in Kolkata where they discussed the pros and cons of renewing the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty which comes up for renewal next year. Spokesperson Jaiswal said the two sides discussed technical issues pertaining to the Ganga Water Treaty, measurement of water flows and other issues of mutual interest. On violence against minorities, including Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said they expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence to justice without making such distinctions.

Bangladesh on Sunday reacted to India's remarks over the demolition of historic Dhanmondi-32 residence and described those remarks from India as "unexpected and undesirable." This statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on the internal affairs of Bangladesh is "unexpected and undesirable", said Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam while responding to a question. He said they have seen various adverse situations in the neighbouring country but Bangladesh does not officially make any statement on the internal affairs of any state. The Spokesperson said Bangladesh also expresses the same expectation from others. "As you know, the former Prime Minister has been making political statements at various times while staying in India, which is not being received well by the people of Bangladesh," Rafiqul Alam said. He mentioned that the interim government has already made its position clear on the situation that arose at Dhanmondi 32 based on her statement on February 5. Earlier, India said the act of vandalism at the historic residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should be "strongly condemned.” Canadian Int'l Development Minister to meet Dr Yunus, Foreign Adviser Monday "It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed on February 5," said Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday. All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh, he said. Terming the vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 residence unfortunate and unexpected, the interim government said it was manifestation of people’s anger incited by the "provocative remarks" made by fugitive Sheikh Hasina from India against the July uprising. The interim government, in a statement on Thursday, urged India to ensure that its territory is not used to promote instability in Bangladesh and prevent Sheikh Hasina from issuing further remarks.

India has hinted that Bangladesh issues may come up for discussions during the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the context of regional situation. "There will be discussions on the regional and international situation. I would imagine this might be one of the issues that will come up," said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri while responding to a question during a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. Describing recent incidents in Bangladesh, including vandalism of historic Dhanmondi-32 residence, the journalist wanted to know whether Prime Minister Modi is likely to discuss Bangladesh when he meets President Trump. In reply, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, "As to whether the issue will come up in discussions in Washington, D.C., I can't prejudge right now." Indian media involved in AL’s “orchestrated campaign” against Dr Yunus: Press Secretary   Prime Minister Modi will visit the United States at the invitation of the President of the United States of America. He will pay an official working visit to the United States on 12th and 13th of February, said the Indian Foreign Secretary. This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States since the inauguration of the second presidential term of President Donald Trump. The Indian Foreign Secretary referred to the statement that they have made recently with regard to the incidents relating to the residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. No role in Hasina’s attributed remarks, clarifies India "We would also like to point out that the safety of diplomatic premises is the responsibility of the host government and I have no doubt that the Bangladesh authorities are fully aware of their responsibilities in this regard," said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Bangladesh wants to establish a relationship with India that would ensure mutual benefits and secure both nations' interest and efforts are underway to that end, said the interim government. Next govt to inherit both domestic policy challenges, growing external worries: Kugelman

After a period of growing tensions in a changed political scenario since August 5, Bangladesh and India are increasingly demonstrating their willingness to recognise the value of fostering stability, mutual trust, and cooperation in addressing shared challenges for greater prosperity on both sides. The winds of positive change in Dhaka-Delhi relations indicate a promising turn for the two South Asian neighbours though many feared that the relations would only deteriorate further with a growing anti-India sentiment. Recent diplomatic exchanges including the foreign secretary-level meeting have shown a commitment to sewing ties and addressing areas of discord. On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue. There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues. "I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser. Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser Bangladesh is expecting a reply from India regarding its request for Hasina’s extradition and was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi. India has refrained from commenting further on Hasina's extradition request. "You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs on January 3. Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Bangladesh on December 9, reiterated India's willingness to build a “positive and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual trust, respect and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests. He also emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in Bangladesh-India relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh including in areas of trade, connectivity and other capacity building areas are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. “So, that has been our approach. There are several developments that are happening. There are developments happening on a daily basis, but our generic approach to Bangladesh is what I told you. We would like to foster these ties,” said MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal on January 3. India’s approach is to foster ties with Bangladesh was made very clear during the Indian foreign secretary's visit to Dhaka, where he highlighted India's support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh. India unlikely to extradite Hasina as heard: Adviser Mahfuj On December 31, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma welcomed Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the High Commission when Dr Yunus went there to pay tributes to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently. New Delhi's reaction was rather soft when on January 2 a Chattogram court rejected the bail prayer of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case.  It simply voiced expectation that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial and the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh will ensure that. “This is our expectation,” says MEA Spokesperson on January 3. Meanwhile, the reciprocal repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen or crew detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen or crew detained in India began on Thursday. The process is expected to be completed on January 5. After the handing over on January 5 at the International Maritime Border, the Bangladeshi fishermen or crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram in the afternoon of January 6. Essential commodities are coming from India to Bangladesh. In December, 2024, a consignment of 24, 690 metric tonnes (MT) of parboiled rice arrived at Chattogram Port from India. It was the first batch of rice imports from India since Yunus-led interim government assumed office.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said he remains optimistic about Dhaka-Delhi relations despite changes happening around, noting that the two countries can really offer to each other something which they do not need to go elsewhere to find. "This is how we look at the relationship. We have so many things to offer each other with our growing capabilities and rising ambitions to grow and develop," he said, reiterating that they strongly support "democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh. He made the remarks during an interaction with diplomatic correspondents at the High Commission on Monday evening, following their participation in a two-phase training programme in New Delhi. Bangladesh had to accept huge Rohingyas under certain circumstances: Touhid Hossain Verma said they are looking at the relationship from a long term perspective much beyond a short-term outlook.  "We need to look at our relationship with mutual sensitivity - sensitivity to each other's interests, each other’s concerns and aspirations," said the High Commissioner.  High Commissioner Verma said they have a strong stake in each other’s progress and prosperity. He said they are really willing to have a "positive, stable and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh with a forward-looking approach which is mutually beneficial.  "It has to be a mutually beneficial relationship. We also believe that people are the key stakeholders in this relationship. We strongly believe that our cooperation benefits the common people on both sides," said High Commissioner Verma.  He said any notion that things are slowed down is not correct and they are working to take forward the relations.  The High Commissioner referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, later their telephone conversation, and Modi's invitation to Prof Yunus to join the third Voice of Global South Summit hosted virtually by New Delhi on August 17. Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser He also referred to the meeting between External Affairs Adviser Dr S Jaishankar and his Bangladesh counterpart Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the UNGA and recently held Foreign Office Consultations at the foreign secretary-level to give a sense that things are not slowed down.  Verma said there is significant robustness in the relations and essential commodities are coming to Bangladesh from India.  He said there are still more visas than "probably all other embassies put together" in Bangladesh.  The High Commissioner laid emphasis on transforming geographical proximity to new economic opportunities.  Verma said he sincerely believes that the fundamentals of the relationship is strong enough to take them forward despite changes around that they see. He said they are doing everything they need to do to take forward the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.  Phone Call: Sullivan lauds Prof Yunus for initiating vital political, election reforms The High Commission of India organized the weeklong training programme in India for the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) and other journalists in two phases this year.  President of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu were present.  Former DCAB President and Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus, Views Bangladesh Editor Md Mehedi Hasan Rashed and New Age Chief of Correspondents Mustafizur Rahman shared their experiences during the interactions. 

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has highlighted the importance of clearing the political clouds that once overshadowed Bangladesh-India relations, emphasising the need for fostering a harmonious partnership between the two nations.  “The political clouds that once overshadowed our relations with India had to be cleared in the interest of both nations,” she said on Friday. She was speaking at an awareness and driver retraining programme on noise pollution control in the capital. Bangladesh, Morocco reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral ties While acknowledging the historical significance of Bangladesh’s the recent mass uprising, Rizwana stressed the importance of balancing this legacy with a forward-looking approach to bilateral relations.  “We cannot deny the impact of the recent movement in our nation while building friendly ties with India,” she added.   Noise Pollution and Environmental Initiatives In the same event, Rizwana announced that the Noise Pollution Control Act will soon be published as a gazette, reinforcing legal measures to combat noise pollution and protect public health. “Efforts are underway to finalise the necessary steps, and the act will be published shortly,” she said. India refrains from backing Hasina's criticism of interim government: Misri Political Reforms Rizwana also questioned the lack of progress in political reforms, urging political parties to take accountability for decades of stagnation. “If political reforms cannot be achieved without the involvement of political parties, why haven’t they been implemented in the last 53 years?” she asked, calling for immediate action.