Bangladesh has signalled its intention to reset relations with India, with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiyun Kobir calling for a new phase of bilateral engagement centred on mutual interests and direct dialogue.

Kobir described the relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi during the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina as “uncomfortable” and said Bangladesh now wants to establish a different framework for dealing with India.

“We want to move towards a new relationship,” Kobir told reporters, stressing that the process should be driven by bilateral discussions rather than multilateral forums.

His comments came shortly after Dhaka announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not attend the BRICS Summit hosted by India. Bangladesh had said Rahman was not invited in his personal capacity and that the invitation was extended to him as chairman of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

The BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi on Sunday. India had invited Rahman to participate in his capacity as BIMSTEC chair, while a separate bilateral invitation for him had reportedly been extended in February.

Dhaka wants a more balanced India policy

Kobir also called for Bangladesh to adopt a more measured approach towards its larger neighbour, arguing that Dhaka should not allow its relationship with India to dominate its foreign policy.

He said Bangladesh should view India as one of several countries with which it seeks constructive relations and focus on areas where the two sides have shared interests.

“We have to get out of the India fascination. India is just another country, and Bangladesh wants good bilateral relations with it,” he said.

Using a metaphor to underline his point, Kobir added: “Breakfast in India, lunch in India, dinner in India -- then when will you eat your own food?”

The remarks indicate Dhaka's desire to recalibrate its engagement with New Delhi while simultaneously broadening its diplomatic and economic relationships with other countries.

Hasina factor continues to weigh on ties

Relations between India and Bangladesh have faced considerable strain since Sheikh Hasina left office and travelled to India following the youth-led movement that resulted in her ouster in August 2024.

New Delhi's decision to provide her refuge has remained a major point of contention between the two countries.

Against this backdrop, the Bangladesh government's call for direct bilateral talks signals an attempt to address outstanding differences through a new diplomatic channel rather than allowing tensions to spill over into wider regional forums.

Kobir did not indicate any immediate breakthrough but maintained that Bangladesh wants to move towards a relationship based on practical interests and greater balance.

Tarique Rahman's upcoming UN visit

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's foreign policy agenda is set to shift towards the United Nations, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman scheduled to travel to New York on September 21.

Kobir said Rahman will attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and is expected to remain in New York until September 26.

There has also been speculation over a possible meeting between Rahman and US President Donald Trump during the UNGA.

Kobir, however, said such high-level bilateral meetings are often finalised close to the event and that no details should be assumed at this stage.

“The primary focus of the Prime Minister’s visit is to address the UN General Assembly,” he said, adding that information about other meetings would be shared once the schedule is finalised.

For now, Dhaka's message is clear: Bangladesh wants to turn the page on its strained relationship with India, pursue direct bilateral engagement and build a foreign policy that places its interests at the centre of its dealings with New Delhi and other international partners.