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Bangladesh’s Interim Government is preparing to hold free and fair general elections by early next year.
High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah confirmed during the 54th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence celebrations in New Delhi. He also spoke of regional cooperation and India-Bangladesh relations.
“The Interim Government, led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, has made certain the plans to hold a free and fair general election by early next year,” Hamidullah said, addressing a gathering of diplomats, Indian officials, and 1971 war veterans.
The High Commissioner also underlined the importance of India-Bangladesh ties, describing them as “historic, deep and multi-layered.” He noted the strength of bilateral engagement, including growing trade, people-to-people connections, and cross-border energy cooperation.
“Within a complex web of new regional and global calculus, Bangladesh is open and engaged with India to address diverse issues – of the present and future,” he said. “Our collaboration can little be judged only in terms of the Memoranda or Agreements concluded or meetings held.”
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, attended the event as chief guest. Thousands of Bangladeshi students currently study in India, and bilateral trade continues to grow at a double-digit pace, Hamidullah noted.
He also cited a recent example of regional energy cooperation: the transmission of 40 MW of hydroelectric power from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian grid. As the current Chair of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, he said, is committed to advancing regional integration.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s domestic developments, Hamidullah pointed to public demands for institutional reforms last year, particularly from younger citizens. “Last Monsoon, our people, particularly youth, stood up demanding reform and restructuring of key State apparatus. We solemnly remember hundreds of youth who made supreme sacrifice,” he said.
“They asked for transformation in ways that enable them to master their destiny, live in true freedom, define Bangladesh as an inclusive and open society.”
He highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic values, noting the country’s demographic profile. “With around half of Bangladesh population below 35, we are now deeply engaged in a new phase in our national life, aiming to deepen the roots of democracy,” he said.
On the broader theme of partnership, Hamidullah called for reimagining regional cooperation as a strategic necessity. “Bangladesh aspires for a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood where we all can prosper, upholding universal values while also protecting our interests,” he said.
The High Commissioner also recalled India’s role in Bangladesh’s Liberation War and paid tribute to those who supported the country in 1971. “In 1971, many in India across society and politics – stood by us as we fought to uphold our dignity, culture and identity.”
He talked about the importance of building future relations on the foundation of trust and shared interests. “It is indeed possible for us to recommit and reconnect to chart a pathway towards inter-dependent relations – based on mutual trust and benefit and equity for generations to advance in Bangladesh and India.”
Huma Siddiqui
