Government Reviewing 101 Agreements Signed with India During Sheikh Hasina’s Tenure
Bangladesh is currently re-evaluating 101 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with India during Ms. Sheikh Hasina’s tenure to determine which pacts align with national interests, compromise sovereignty, or require amendments. Speaking at a Friday press conference at the National Parliament Media Center in Dhaka, Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Mr. Nurul Islam Moni stated that the government will officially announce its decisions following a comprehensive review. He emphasized that by stepping away from detrimental accords, relations with neighboring India will be advanced under a ‘Bangladesh First’ policy, ensuring that state interests are strictly secured before pursuing foreign friendship.
Mr. Moni highlighted specific contentious provisions in past agreements, citing instances where terms stipulated that foreign vessels from friendly states docking alongside Bangladeshi ships at Chittagong Port would receive priority unloading. Asserting that numerous historical accords conflict with national sovereignty, the Chief Whip noted that historical data indicates 134 total deals were signed with India since independence, with 106 inked during the Awami League administration. He affirmed that future foreign relations and diplomatic ties with neighbors and allies will be cultivated exclusively based on mutual respect and equality without compromising domestic priorities.
Addressing broader economic management, Mr. Moni reported that the current administration has successfully paid off USD 2.05 billion in liabilities left by the previous government. He asserted that there is no lack of political will to resolve ongoing power and gas shortages, detailing that active initiatives are underway to boost domestic production, explore new gas fields, and manage Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports. Furthermore, he updated that fertilizer reserves currently stand at a robust 1.6 million tons, supported by newly established monitoring cells across all 64 districts to ensure uninterrupted supply and equitable distribution.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Whip stressed that the administration prioritizes public welfare above all else, exercising heightened vigilance over national assets, ports, commerce, and strategic concerns to prevent compromise. He reaffirmed that the state continues to move forward guided by the principle of economic reinforcement and capacity building to foster self-reliance. Ultimately, the government remains firmly committed to maintaining robust diplomatic relations anchored entirely in mutual interest, national dignity, and absolute sovereignty.
