India, Feb. 16 -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)'s landslide victory, coupled with its diplomatic overtures towards India, gives New Delhi an important strategic opening to reset ties with Dhaka, shed the historical baggage of the previous decade, and recalibrate India's broader neighbourhood policy.

Unburdening our relationship with Dhaka from the ghosts of the past is a strategic must. While the Awami League regime under former Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina was clearly tilted in favour of India, that tilt came at a huge price - the alienation of Dhaka's opposition and a bilateral relationship tainted by association with deeply unpopular rule. Given that past, engaging the new BNP-led government that has signalled a desire f...