ThePrint Opinion: Won’t be easy to return to ‘Good old days of bonhomie’ between New Delhi and Dhaka
Feb 22, 2026
Seshadri Chari, former editor and long-time South Asia security commentator, analyzes the reset in New Delhi–Dhaka ties after Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in. He discusses the Hasina–Zia rivalry, Rohingya refugee challenges, Turkey’s growing defence role in Bangladesh, risks of new geopolitical alignments, and the need for India–Bangladesh cooperation on economic and security stabilization.
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Rahman Victory Opens Window To Reset India Bangladesh Ties
- Tariq Rahman's election ends 17 years of Awami League dominance and opens a reset window for India-Bangladesh ties.
- Seshadri Chari stresses Modi's phone call signals a course correction after strained relations under the interim government.
Lift Awami League Ban To Strengthen Democracy
- Lift bans and restore political pluralism to bolster democratic credibility and create a functioning opposition.
- Seshadri Chari recommends Tariq Rahman consider lifting the ban on the Awami League so it can resume legitimate political activity.
Yunus Interim Legacy Adds Political Burden
- The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus left a problematic legacy that complicates Rahman's transition.
- Chari cites Yunus's provocative remarks about India's Northeast and suggests the new government should facilitate exits of Yunus's team.