PM Modi’s letter to Yunus on Bangladesh National Day stresses shared history, mutual sensitivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to Bangladesh on its National Day, emphasizing the shared history and enduring partnership between the two neighbors. In a letter addressed to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh, despite recent tensions.

The letter conveyed warm felicitations to Prof. Yunus and the people of Bangladesh as they marked their Independence Day on March 26, commemorating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic declaration of independence from Pakistan in 1971.

“This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, which have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership. The spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War remains a guiding light for our relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples,” Modi wrote.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to fostering regional stability and cooperation, he added, “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.”

Diplomatic strains and security concerns

The letter comes amid a turbulent phase in India-Bangladesh relations. Dhaka has sought the deportation of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while Indian leaders have voiced concerns over the status of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a briefing to the Standing Committee on External Affairs on March 26, underscored the role of Bangladesh’s Army Chief in maintaining national stability. According to sources, Mr. Misri also flagged the rise of “disruptive factional forces” in Bangladesh and warned that the “continued release of Islamist extremists” by the interim government posed a significant risk to regional and global security.

Yunus’ Beijing visit and India’s lukewarm response

Amid these developments, Prof. Yunus is currently in Beijing, advocating for increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector. His press secretary was quoted as saying that Yunus had initially sought to visit India before heading to China, but Dhaka’s request for the trip received no “positive” response from New Delhi.

As India and Bangladesh navigate their evolving diplomatic landscape, Modi’s letter underscores the deep historical ties between the two nations — while also reflecting the complexities shaping their present-day relationship.