India-Bangladesh ties need to overcome political instability, regional security concerns: Parliamentary panel

A parliamentary committee has asked the government to maintain close engagement with Bangladesh while keeping a watch on political instability, attacks on minorities, and regional security concerns.

The Congress MP Shashi Tharoor-led Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, in its report titled 'Future of India–Bangladesh Relationship', argued that ties with Bangladesh remain important due to shared history, culture, and past agreements such as the Land Boundary Agreement and the maritime boundary settlement.

Expressing concern over developments since August 2024, when violent protests—including political violence and uncertainty over elections—forced out the then PM Sheikh Hasina, the panel stressed the need for free, fair, and credible polls to restore political stability.

It appreciated India’s 'quiet diplomacy' during the transition period and recommended continued engagement with political and civil society stakeholders in Bangladesh.

The report also raised concern over attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, including damage to places of worship and cultural institutions, and flagged the spread of anti-India narratives in sections of Bangladeshi media.

The panel asked the Indian government to keep pressing the issue of safety of minorities with Bangladesh, and even recommended setting up a dedicated unit in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to monitor misinformation and present India’s position clearly.

On the issue of Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, the committee said India acted on humanitarian grounds. It noted that no political activity had been allowed from Indian territory, and asked the government to keep the Parliament informed about developments related to Bangladesh’s extradition request.

China’s growing presence in Bangladesh—especially in infrastructure, ports and defence projects—was also noted with concern by the panel, which asked the government to closely monitor foreign activities that could affect India’s security, particularly near the Siliguri Corridor and the Bay of Bengal.

On border management, the committee said a large part of the India–Bangladesh border remains unfenced due to terrain and river conditions.

The developments in Bangladesh further affect security in northeast India. The panel suggested stronger coordination and intelligence-sharing between the two countries, apart from speeding up fencing where possible and using technology such as surveillance systems in difficult areas.

The committee also asked the government to speed up talks on a trade agreement ahead of Bangladesh’s graduation from 'Least Developed Country' status in 2026, as well as to complete delayed connectivity projects.

Finally, it urged early discussions on renewing the Ganga Water Treaty, which expires in 2026, and called for progress on the Teesta river water-sharing issue.