How Will Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Government Engage with India? BNP Leaders Outline Their Approach

Dhaka, February 13, 2026: With Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poised for a commanding return to power, attention now turns to the future of Bangladesh-India relations. Following BNP’s landslide victory, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahman, signaling an early diplomatic acknowledgment of the new government’s mandate.

Restoring Stability and Institutional Strength

Senior BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told the BBC that the party’s first priority upon forming government will be to restore Bangladesh’s democratic and financial institutions, which, according to him, have suffered significant erosion over the past decade. “Bangladesh needs stability and peace first,” Chowdhury emphasized, highlighting the BNP’s focus on domestic consolidation.

Approach to India and Foreign Policy

When asked about Bangladesh’s stance toward India, Chowdhury refrained from naming any specific country. However, he stated that BNP’s foreign policy will be grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and strategic autonomy, reflecting Tarique Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” philosophy. “A lack of a country-centric policy has been a problem for previous governments,” he added, underscoring the new leadership’s intention to prioritize national interests in diplomatic engagements.

Nazrul Islam Khan, a member of BNP’s Standing Committee, commented on PM Modi’s congratulatory message, noting: “The Prime Minister of India has recognized the people’s verdict.” He also observed that India has closely monitored Bangladesh’s elections, particularly given the shifts in Dhaka-Islamabad relations following Sheikh Hasina’s departure.

Balancing Regional Relationships

Bangladesh’s growing closeness with Pakistan has raised concerns in New Delhi. BNP’s historical record shows a comparatively softer stance toward Islamabad than Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. During its previous tenure, BNP maintained working ties with Pakistan, though the party acknowledges that India remains Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and most important neighbor. BNP has expressed its desire for friendly relations with all neighboring countries, but analysts note that the new government will face a delicate diplomatic balancing act between Delhi and Islamabad.

With Tarique Rahman’s government expected to take office soon, Bangladesh appears set to pursue a pragmatic, country-first approach—prioritizing stability at home while carefully managing complex regional relationships.