The recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, has sparked a mix of optimism and caution in Bangladeshi news media. This summit, held on the sidelines of the Bimstec summit in Bangkok, marks the first high-level engagement between the two nations since the August 5, 2024, coup that ousted Sheikh Hasina's government. Given the heightened tensions and deep historical ties between the two countries, the meeting is widely seen as a crucial ice-breaker.

Bangladeshi newspaper Bangladesh Pratidin hailed the meeting as a diplomatic triumph for Bangladesh, emphasizing that India had avoided high-level discussions with Dhaka for eight months and insisted on excluding Hasina from any talks. The fact that a 40-minute meeting took place in a third country was, therefore, considered a significant breakthrough. Naya Diganta, another daily, suggested that the meeting further enhances the reputation of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

However, the details of what actually transpired during the meeting remain contested. Shafiqul Alam, Yunus’s press secretary, made claims in a Facebook post—particularly regarding Sheikh Hasina—that Indian sources have disputed, describing them as 'mischievous' and 'politically motivated'. Alam alleged that Yunus requested Hasina’s extradition and that Modi’s response was 'not negative,' even quoting Modi as saying, 'We saw her [Hasina’s] disrespectful behavior towards you [Yunus].' This claim dominated headlines and editorials, earning Yunus praise across various media outlets, though many added the caveat that Hasina remains a potential obstacle to normalized Indo-Bangla relations.

Jugantor featured a front-page story quoting foreign policy experts who asserted that no real improvement in ties is possible without Hasina’s extradition. Former Dhaka University professor Shahiduzzaman predicted a long-drawn process, suggesting India would not hand over Hasina, and Bangladesh would refuse to honor 'biased treaties' signed by her, advocating for new trade relationships, including with Pakistan. In contrast, former envoy Mashfee Shams expressed hope that relations could move beyond the Hasina factor. M Jashim Uddin, Director of the Centre for Peace Studies at North South University, viewed the meeting as a diplomatic win, indicating India was compelled to acknowledge Yunus's legitimacy. Bangladesh Pratidin suggested India is awaiting the next election to take a definitive stance on Bangladesh, which is currently hindering normal relations. The newspaper voiced hope that India would treat Bangladesh as an equal, a sentiment Yunus purportedly conveyed.

Equality and fairness emerged as key themes in discussions about the future of Indo-Bangla relations. Prothom Alo, a leading newspaper, lamented the lack of discussion on pending water agreements and stressed the need for continuous engagement. It urged India to prevent Hasina, currently residing in New Delhi, from making controversial statements, emphasizing that fairness, equality, and brotherhood should form the cornerstone of the relationship. The newspaper also questioned India’s earlier silence when Hasina allegedly suppressed the opposition, in light of India’s current call for 'inclusive elections'.

A front-page analysis in Prothom Alo highlighted the overlooked visa issue, particularly India’s reduction in visa issuance to Bangladeshis. The article also noted China’s indirect involvement in the talks, with Modi reportedly indicating he would not welcome a “third wheel” in the relationship. Naya Diganta posited that Yunus’s recent visit to China might have facilitated the summit. During that trip, Yunus reportedly described India’s North East as landlocked and dependent on Bangladesh, referring to Bangladesh as the “only guardian of the ocean”—remarks that sparked controversy in India. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma called the comments 'offensive' and cautioned against 'longstanding agendas,' emphasizing infrastructure development in the Chicken’s Neck region. Modi, before departing for Thailand, described North East India as 'integral to BIMSTEC,' widely seen as a message to Yunus.

Naya Diganta argued that India, as the larger partner, had the responsibility to foster a working relationship but that Bangladesh took the lead. It lauded Yunus for raising contentious issues and making it clear to India that the era of flexing its muscles is over. Amader Samay echoed the theme of equality and fairness as essential for a lasting friendship between the two countries.

Farid Hossain, former Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, suggested that resuming regular visa services would significantly bolster friendship. Speaking to TOI Online, Hossain noted that the Modi-Yunus meeting had generated positive media buzz and was welcomed by many Bangladeshi politicians. However, he deemed Hasina’s extradition unlikely in the near term and not a public expectation. Instead, progress on trade normalization and the Teesta water issue would help marginalize hardliners. Hossain downplayed the possibility of Bangladesh disregarding existing treaties, concluding that calm diplomacy and mutual respect are crucial for restoring normalcy in bilateral ties, viewing the Modi-Yunus meeting as a promising start.