Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today said India should come out from its negative attitude towards 'New Bangladesh' saying the fall of the authoritarian regime represents the most significant political, diplomatic, and strategic setback in India's history.
"India is struggling to accept this defeat. They lack the courage to acknowledge it," said TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference held at the TIB office in Dhanmondi.
The event focused on TIB's observations of the first 100 days under the new political dispensation in Bangladesh.
Iftekharuzzaman said that Bangladesh's foreign relations have seen new opportunities for mutual cooperation with various countries.
"We hope for a similar positive shift in our relations with India," he said.
He criticised India for failing to adopt a constructive attitude towards Bangladesh following the recent political transition.
"India continues to view Bangladesh through the same old lens that supported authoritarianism. This has led to a potential risk of India playing a destabilising role in the region," Iftekharuzzaman said.
Addressing the perception of Indian liberalism, he added, "Many believed that liberal thinking was a hallmark of Indian politics and media, but this outlook appears to have changed."
The TIB Executive Director expressed concern over the portrayal of Bangladesh in the Indian media, describing it as "risky" and "disturbing." He argued that this narrative not only embarrasses Bangladesh but also tarnishes India's own image.
"India must step away from this path," he urged.
However, Iftekharuzzaman praised the interim government of Bangladesh for keeping diplomatic channels with India open. "India is our largest neighbour, and maintaining a positive relationship is crucial. But India's role can either support or hinder our transition," he cautioned.
The press conference also featured a presentation by TIB senior research fellow Shahzada M Akram, who shared findings from a study titled "New Bangladesh: Observations on the First 100 Days after the Fall of the Authoritarian Regime."
According to the report, India's inability to accept the end of authoritarian rule in Bangladesh and the conspiratorial actions of the ousted regime within India could destabilise the transitional period.
Akram highlighted India's concerns over the security of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, and accused Indian media of spreading misinformation. He also said that border killings have continued despite Bangladesh's protests.
On a more positive note, the report stressed that the interim government has received international support for a peaceful and democratic transition, with backing from countries and organizations such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, the European Union, China, Russia, and the United Nations.
TIB officials, including Prof Dr Sumaiya Khair, Director of Research and Policy Muhammad Badiuzzaman, and Director of Outreach and Communications Muhammad Tauhidul Islam, were also present at the event.
