Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh is reviewing 101 agreements and deals signed with India during ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, with the government likely to announce its decision on the future of these pacts soon, parliament chief whip Nurul Islam said on Friday.
The agreements, signed during the Awami League government’s 15-year rule, are being examined as part of a broader review of policies and decisions taken during Hasina’s time in power. However, the government has not yet disclosed details of the agreements being reviewed or indicated whether any of them will be cancelled, revised or continued.
The development comes months after Hasina was removed from power following a wave of protests in August 2024 and an interim administration took charge in Bangladesh. During Hasina’s tenure, India and Bangladesh expanded cooperation across several areas, including trade, transport connectivity, energy, defence, security and regional infrastructure.
The relationship between New Delhi and Dhaka had witnessed significant progress under Hasina, with India supporting several connectivity projects and economic initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighbouring countries. Bangladesh, meanwhile, had also benefited from increased access to Indian markets and cooperation in sectors such as power and transport.
The review of the agreements comes amid political changes in Bangladesh, where the new administration has been reassessing several decisions taken by the previous government. The process has drawn attention in India as many of the pacts were considered important milestones in bilateral relations.
Officials in Dhaka have maintained that the review is aimed at examining national interests and ensuring transparency in government decisions. A final decision on the 101 agreements is expected after the assessment is completed.
India and Bangladesh share a 4,000-km-long border and have historically maintained close cultural, economic and security links, although recent political developments have created fresh challenges in bilateral ties.