The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday strongly criticised India for its inability to come to terms with its perceived "defeat" in Bangladesh following the Delhi-backed autocratic regime's ouster.
"India is struggling to accept what is perhaps its most significant diplomatic, strategic, and political defeat in history concerning Bangladesh," stated Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of the TIB.
He made the remarks during a press briefing at the TIB office in Dhaka, marking 100 days of the Yunus-led interim government.
Dr Zaman said new vistas have opened up in Bangladesh's relations with all countries in terms of mutual assistance and cooperation in the current context.
"We expect the same to happen (in the relations) with India," he added.
But, according to the TIB executive, India's reaction has been far from the positive engagement expected from a neighbouring country after the fall of the dictatorship last August.
India continued to view Bangladesh through a prism that supports the ousted authoritarianism, he said, accusing Indian politicians, media and civil society of fuelling instability here by exploiting issues like minority rights and other sensitive topics.
"This has created a significant risk for India in playing the role of a catalyst in cases that can lead to potential destabilisation in Bangladesh."
Dr Zaman also noted that the perception of India's civil society and media has shifted significantly compared to the views traditionally held by Bangladesh's liberal sections of society.
It is very disturbing the way Indian media is projecting Bangladesh which is also embarrassing and concerning of India as well, according to him.
"Many people had the perception that liberal thinking was promoted in Indian political space, people and media. We think India has changed (from that liberal thinking)."
He said Indian media and officials have continued to project the mass uprising that toppled the government as being influenced by external forces, further straining the narrative of mutual cooperation between the neighbours.
Additionally, disinformation campaigns and exaggerated concerns about the safety of minority communities in
Bangladesh, propagated through Indian media and social platforms, have exacerbated the situation.
Dr Zaman, however, appreciated the interim government's role regarding the bilateral relations with India as it was always looking to keep the door open.
"We always talk about keeping the door open. India is our biggest neighbour. We'd like to maintain a positive relationship with India. The role of India in this regard is most important."
Shedding light on the chief adviser's interview with Al Jazeera where he hinted a longer tenure of the government, Dr Zaman said the government should present its roadmap and strategy of its to-do list.
The private sector has largely been kept outside of the government's reform plans, he deplored the fact.
Shahzada M Akram, lead researcher, presented there the findings of a report on the government's performance in its 100 days.
The report shed light on India's reaction to the regime change here, characterising it as a stance of denial, accompanied by narratives emphasising external interference in the political upheaval.
Despite repeated protests from Bangladesh, incidents of border killings persist, undermining bilateral relations and adding to tensions, according to it.
The TIB said an unprecedented opportunity has emerged to build a 'New Bangladesh' through state reforms and a new political and social arrangement.
The government's decision-making has demonstrated ad-hoc tendencies, with significant decisions-including the formation of the advisory council and allocation of responsibilities-remaining contentious.
A distinct lack of efficiency and planning has been observed in the administration's operations.
Additionally, coordination issues among government officials responsible for decision-making have been identified, with some decisions being altered after their initial approval.
The TIB research also indicates notable impatience among various stakeholders, including political parties, about giving the government sufficient time for reforms.
Moreover, the report points out that targeted attacks and threats have posed significant risks to media freedom.
Besides, violence and coercion have threatened gender, religious, cultural and ethnic diversity.
The TIB also expressed alarm over the ongoing activities of banned student organisations at universities, which contradict the administration's stance on political neutrality.
Freedom of the press emerged as another critical area of concern.
The report cited cases of 167 journalists being stripped of their press credentials and several media outlets facing the threat of closure, portraying a bleak picture of the state of media independence in the country.
Further scrutiny was directed at the handling of trials by the International Crimes Tribunal.
Allegations of false cases, personal vendettas, and human rights violations during detentions and arrests were highlighted, alongside questions about the qualifications and political affiliations of judges and prosecutors.
These issues, according to the report, have undermined the credibility of the judicial process.
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