Russia Urges Bangladesh to Ease Tensions With India; Reminds Dhaka of 1971 History

Russian Ambassador Says Reducing Strain With New Delhi Will Help Regional Stability

Russia has called on Bangladesh to reduce tensions with India as soon as possible, stressing that stable ties between the two neighbours are important for peace in South Asia. The appeal comes amid rising political unrest and protests in Bangladesh ahead of the February 12, 2026 national elections.

Speaking in Dhaka, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin said it would be wise for Dhaka and New Delhi to find a way to calm their relations “the sooner, the better.” He highlighted the historical role India played in Bangladesh’s 1971 independence, noting that both India and Russia supported Bangladesh’s liberation.

What the Russian Envoy Said

At a press interaction in Dhaka, Ambassador Khozin made the following points:

• He urged Bangladesh to ease tensions with India for the sake of regional stability.
• Khozin noted that India’s help was crucial in Bangladesh gaining independence in 1971, and Russia also supported that effort.
• He said Russia does not want to interfere in Bangladesh–India bilateral relations but believes it would be wise to prevent tensions from rising further.
• The ambassador called for relations to be based on mutual trust and confidence and for a conducive environment ahead of the election.
• Russia welcomed the announcement of the election date and said it expects the polls to be held on time.

He emphasised that quick de‑escalation is better for both countries and the entire South Asia region.

Unrest and Tension in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been experiencing fresh waves of unrest as its interim government prepares for elections on February 12, 2026.

Recent events include:

• The death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in anti‑government protests.
• Demonstrations by Hadi’s supporters and others critical of the interim government and India.
• Some protesters tried to storm India’s assistant high commission in Chittagong, prompting India to suspend visa services at the mission.
• A Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was killed in Mymensingh amid the unrest.
• Angry mobs targeted Bangladesh’s leading newspapers Daily Star and Prothom Alo, which critics allege are linked with the interim leadership.

The protests have also involved allegations that the interim government is too close to India, and some opponents have accused Dhaka of being “subservient” to New Delhi.

Geopolitical Context

This call from Russia comes against the backdrop of worsening bilateral ties between Bangladesh and India in recent months:

• India recently summoned the Bangladesh envoy over security concerns around its missions in Dhaka, following protests and attempted attacks.
• India also suspended visa services in Dhaka amid the security situation, affecting travel and processing.
• Analysts note that with elections approaching and political shifts, relations have become strained, and there is concern about extremist elements and anti‑India sentiment within Bangladesh’s domestic politics.

Historic ties — especially India’s pivotal role in Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971 — remain a touchpoint in diplomatic messaging. Russia has repeatedly invoked this shared history to encourage peaceful dialogue and cooperation between Dhaka and New Delhi.

Broader Diplomatic Implications

Russia’s statement underscores its interest in a stable South Asia, where escalated tensions could have broader geopolitical consequences. The envoy also noted that relations should be guided by mutual trust, and he communicated Russia’s readiness to see the February election create a peaceful environment for Bangladesh.