Dhaka to Review 101 Agreements Signed During Sheikh Hasina’s Tenure; India Responds

Photo: Collected

News Desk: Although reports have emerged that the current government is reviewing 101 agreements signed with India during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, India claims that Dhaka has not yet formally communicated anything to New Delhi regarding the matter.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that the country is making all necessary preparations and taking appropriate measures to safeguard its interests.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks at a regular weekly press briefing in New Delhi on Friday (September 17). In response to questions from journalists, various aspects of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations were discussed at the briefing.

Responding to a question from an ANI journalist, Jaiswal said that although media reports had emerged about the review of the agreements, the Bangladesh government had not formally communicated anything to India through diplomatic channels. He added that protecting India’s national interests would remain the country’s highest priority and that India would take appropriate measures accordingly.

It may be noted that on September 11, Chief Whip of the National Parliament Nurul Islam Moni told the media that the current interim government was reviewing 101 agreements signed by the previous government. He said the agreements would be examined to determine whether they contained any provisions contrary to the country’s interests before a final decision was made.

Regarding recent reports of attacks on members of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community, the Indian spokesperson said that the primary responsibility for maintaining law and order within the country and ensuring the overall security of minority citizens rests entirely with the Bangladesh government.

In response to a question about military cooperation between Pakistan and Kuwait and a proposed defence agreement with Bangladesh, Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring any development that could have implications for its security and is taking necessary measures to protect the country’s security. Responding to a question about Bangladesh potentially joining the proposed Makkah Defence Pact, he said India is closely monitoring the matter.

The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson also addressed the historic Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire in December 2026. He said the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) is working to resolve issues related to the sharing of Ganges water and other common rivers, and that regular technical-level meetings are being held between the two countries on these matters.