The government of Bangladesh has recently decided to cancel a planned training program for its judicial officials in India. Adding to the already turbulent relationship between the two neighbours since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August of last year, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government on Sunday cancelled the program.

A day after the Bangladeshi law ministry released a notification on Supreme Court directives for the training of 50 judicial officials in India. The training, which was scheduled to take place in India, was aimed at providing Bangladeshi judicial officers with exposure to India’s legal and judicial systems. It was expected to include sessions on court management, case handling and judicial ethics, fostering greater regional understanding and collaboration.

The now-cancelled announcement said that the Indian government will cover all costs for the judges' training at the State Judicial Academy and the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from February 10–20.

The law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry said in its most recent announcement on Sunday that the Supreme Court had reissued its orders regarding the training of Indian judges, which resulted in the revocation of the previous authorisation for them to participate in the Bhopal training program.

Nominees for the training program include assistant judges, senior assistant judges, joint district and session judges, extra district and session judges, and officers of comparable rank. 

However, this cancellation raises questions about the current state of their legal and diplomatic ties. Experts note that such training initiatives are beneficial for fostering mutual learning and enhancing judicial efficiency in both nations. Relationship tensions have existed between India and Bangladesh as a result of several attacks against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, which have alarmed New Delhi. 

Despite this setback, both countries are expected to continue their broader cooperation on regional issues. Observers suggest that a renewed focus on joint initiatives in other areas may help offset the impact of this decision.