[🇧🇩] Indo-Bangla Relation: India's Regional Ambition, Geopolitical Reality, and Strategic Options For Bangladesh

[Krishna with Flute]

Thanks brother. Hindu or Muslim, it is all incumbent upon us to communicate and get the real story.

In Bangladeshi temples, saffron dhwajas will fly, bells and shankha will sound. Church bells will ring.

In mosques, people will go to Namaaz. Buddhists will prostrate to Buddha.

We can all live in peace and prosper with being brothers and sisters.

Let peace prevail.

A very good wish and I wish everyone thinks like this. However, the realities and history of Islam and Muslims are different. Abrahamic religions are not religions in reality but they are political ideologies. They have inherent hater towards other religions and that is why expecting anything fair or friendly from it is like expecting sun to rise from West.

 

[Bilal9]

Misri also clarified that, contrary to media reports, the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government did not raise issues regarding reviewing any agreements with India.

Well I believe at this time, more communication with top level Indian political functionaries, such as Shashi Tharoor (who is more sane and educated in their parliament) - is the "mature" thing to do, instead of totally upsetting the apple cart for Indo-Bangla relations.

Bangladesh needs to do the level best to truncate activities of "Bazaar-Garam" activists like Shuvendu Adhikari, who I hear is not in the BJP leadership's good books any longer.



De-escalating the mudslinging language war at this time is of utmost importance.

At the same time- Bangladesh needs to diversify its import sources to include Pakistan, especially for agri imports.

 

[Bilal9]

A very good wish and I wish everyone thinks like this. However, the realities and history of Islam and Muslims are different. Abrahamic religions are not religions in reality but they are political ideologies. They have inherent hater towards other religions and that is why expecting anything fair or friendly from it is like expecting sun to rise from West.

Religion in Arabia and the subcontinent are not the same thing.

In Bangladesh majority of Muslim population are Sufi people, whose relations with their Hindu brothers and sisters have been harmonious historically. There have been occasional flareups - but they were at the perpetration of 'faida-lootnewallahs'.

If you have never visited Bangladesh, you need to visit sometime to see for yourself, instead of propaganda.

Krishna In Indo-Muslim Mystical Tradition: For Muslim Mystics, He Was 'Hazrat Krishna', An Ancient Prophet Sent To The Indian Subcontinent | Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi, New Age Islam

Get all the news and views on Rethinking Islamic Religion, preventing radicalisation and de-radicalisation. New Age Islam brings modern Muslims closer to the original ideals and spirit of Islam & Rethink on Islam. Visit us today!

www.newageislam.com

 

[Saif]

Misri’s visit to help advance Dhaka-Delhi relationships

India yesterday said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Dhaka would help sustain and advance ties between the two countries.

www.thedailystar.net

Misri’s visit to help advance Dhaka-Delhi relationships
Says Indian MEA

India yesterday said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's recent visit to Dhaka would help sustain and advance ties between the two countries.

Asked at the weekly media briefing to comment on Misri's talks with Bangladesh's interim government, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said, "It is our understanding that the foreign secretary's visit will help in sustaining the bilateral engagement between India and Bangladesh to address concerns as well as advance the substantive issues in the relationship."

Jaiswal said the readout issued by the MEA on Misri's statement to the media in Dhaka, which emphasised continuing the mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Bangladesh. The MEA also emphasised India's desire to work closely with the interim government and relayed New Delhi's concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities.

Jaiswal said that while in Dhaka, Misri took up the issue of what India said were attacks on minorities in Bangladesh with the leaders of that country and stressed that it was in Bangladesh's own interest to protect the minorities.

Highlighting the impact of the visit, Jaiswal said, a day after Misri's Dhaka visit, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Shafiqul Alam issued a statement mentioning that 88 incidents of attacks on minorities had taken place and 70 people had been arrested in connection with them.

The MEA spokesman said, "It is our expectation from the Bangladesh government that it will do the needful [to protect minorities]."

Asked about Indian newspapers' reports that the foreign secretary conveyed to a parliamentary standing committee on December 11 that New Delhi does not endorse ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's comments while staying in India, Jaiswal said, "It is not our practice to comment on speculative and selective reports about privileged matters."

He said the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of External Affairs is a privileged forum.

Asked about the reported suggestion by some members of the parliamentary standing committee about the possibility of a visit to Bangladesh by an Indian political delegation, Jaiswal said, "I do not want to comment on the parliamentary committee's proceedings."

Replying to a query on media reports about Bangladesh's alleged deployment of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones along the border with India, Jaiswal said, "We have seen the reports which came out recently, but we are unable to confirm their authenticity."​

 

[Saif]

India responsible for tensed relations between India-Bangladesh: Nur

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Friday said that India is responsible for the tensed relation between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use this interim government like Awami League. “India is continuing its aggression and dominance over Bangladesh to destabilize the countr

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

India responsible for tensed relations between India-Bangladesh: Nur
BSS
Published :
Dec 13, 2024 21:24
Updated :
Dec 13, 2024 21:24

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Friday said that India is responsible for the tensed relation between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use this interim government like Awami League.

“India is continuing its aggression and dominance over Bangladesh to destabilize the country’s Interim Government. India is responsible for the tensed relations between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use the incumbent Interim Government like Awami League,” he said a national youth rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) in Dhaka on Friday.

Bangladesh Jubo Odhikar Parishad organized the rally protesting Indian aggression and domination. After holding rally, a procession was started in front of Jatiya Press Club and ended at Bijoynagar.

About India’s conspiracies to destabilize Bangladesh, Nurul Haque Nur said the Indian media and political society are trying to prove that communal riots are going on in Bangladesh in a planned manner.

He urged the international media including Indian media to come to Bangladesh and investigate all the allegations regarding communal riot and then present the actual facts.

“No communal attack is taking place in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that some isolated incidents happened due to political reasons.

Talking about India’s domination, he said: “If India shows reluctance to share waters of 54 common rivers between the two countries and does not give a fair share of water of the Teesta River, then Bangladesh should deal agreement with China to ensure its legitimate share.”

Nur said all agreements between Bangladesh-India should be made public.

Criticizing the killing of the Border Security Force (BSF), he said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) should give befitting reply to BSF’s encounter on the border.

With Bangladesh Jubo Odhikar Parishad president Manjur Morshed Mamun in the chair the rally was addressed among others by Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, vice president Rahul Islam and senior leaders Abu Hanif and Advocate Sarkar Nur Ershad Siddiqui.​

 

[Saif]

Rizwana for clearing political clouds over Bangladesh-India ties

We cannot deny the impact of the recent movement in our nation while building friendly ties with India, she says

en.prothomalo.com

Rizwana for clearing political clouds over Bangladesh-India ties
UNB
Dhaka
Published: 13 Dec 2024, 17: 09

Environment, forest and climate change adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has underscored the importance of clearing the political clouds that once overshadowed Bangladesh-India relations, emphasising the need for fostering a harmonious partnership between the two nations.

“The political clouds that once overshadowed our relations with India had to be cleared in the interest of both nations,” she said while speaking at an awareness and driver retraining programme on noise pollution control in the capital on Friday.

While acknowledging the historical significance of Bangladesh’s recent mass uprising, Rizwana stressed the importance of balancing this legacy with a forward-looking approach to bilateral relations.

“We cannot deny the impact of the recent movement in our nation while building friendly ties with India,” she added.

Noise Pollution and Environmental Initiatives

Rizwana announced that the noise pollution control act will soon be published as a gazette, reinforcing legal measures to combat noise pollution and protect public health.

“Efforts are underway to finalise the necessary steps, and the act will be published shortly,” she said.

Political Reforms

Rizwana also questioned the lack of progress in political reforms, urging political parties to take accountability for decades of stagnation.​

 

[Bilal9]

India responsible for tensed relations between India-Bangladesh: Nur

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Friday said that India is responsible for the tensed relation between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use this interim government like Awami League. “India is continuing its aggression and dominance over Bangladesh to destabilize the countr

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

India responsible for tensed relations between India-Bangladesh: Nur
BSS
Published :
Dec 13, 2024 21:24
Updated :
Dec 13, 2024 21:24

View attachment 11645

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Friday said that India is responsible for the tensed relation between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use this interim government like Awami League.

“India is continuing its aggression and dominance over Bangladesh to destabilize the country’s Interim Government. India is responsible for the tensed relations between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use the incumbent Interim Government like Awami League,” he said a national youth rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) in Dhaka on Friday.

Bangladesh Jubo Odhikar Parishad organized the rally protesting Indian aggression and domination. After holding rally, a procession was started in front of Jatiya Press Club and ended at Bijoynagar.

About India’s conspiracies to destabilize Bangladesh, Nurul Haque Nur said the Indian media and political society are trying to prove that communal riots are going on in Bangladesh in a planned manner.

He urged the international media including Indian media to come to Bangladesh and investigate all the allegations regarding communal riot and then present the actual facts.

“No communal attack is taking place in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that some isolated incidents happened due to political reasons.

Talking about India’s domination, he said: “If India shows reluctance to share waters of 54 common rivers between the two countries and does not give a fair share of water of the Teesta River, then Bangladesh should deal agreement with China to ensure its legitimate share.”

Nur said all agreements between Bangladesh-India should be made public.

Criticizing the killing of the Border Security Force (BSF), he said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) should give befitting reply to BSF’s encounter on the border.

With Bangladesh Jubo Odhikar Parishad president Manjur Morshed Mamun in the chair the rally was addressed among others by Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, vice president Rahul Islam and senior leaders Abu Hanif and Advocate Sarkar Nur Ershad Siddiqui.​

I am sorry - but this Noor guy is maybe not so relevant. Who is he to comment on anything? I remember him going to Hasina, asking for her support and tutelage. Beganee shadi mei Abdullah diwana.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Religion in Arabia and the subcontinent are not the same thing.

In Bangladesh majority of Muslim population are Sufi people, whose relations with their Hindu brothers and sisters have been harmonious historically. There have been occasional flareups - but they were at the perpetration of 'faida-lootnewallahs'.

If you have never visited Bangladesh, you need to visit sometime to see for yourself, instead of propaganda.

Krishna In Indo-Muslim Mystical Tradition: For Muslim Mystics, He Was 'Hazrat Krishna', An Ancient Prophet Sent To The Indian Subcontinent | Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi, New Age Islam

Get all the news and views on Rethinking Islamic Religion, preventing radicalisation and de-radicalisation. New Age Islam brings modern Muslims closer to the original ideals and spirit of Islam & Rethink on Islam. Visit us today!

www.newageislam.com

No matter from which sect you are, you worship same god, same prophet and believe in same book which is full of hater towards other and authorises Muslims to do every immortal things with mom Muslims, Hindus and Jews in particular. It justifies child sex, it justifies, it justifies slavery, it justifies women auction as sex slave and so many other things etc. This is uncivilized. Those who believe in such book , prophet and god can never be good human being.

 

[Saif]

Your entire nation is a gift from us.

No. Our independence was not a gift from you. We struggled for 24 years(1947-1971) to get our independence from Pakistan. We had to take up arms against the Pakistanis to free ourselves and in the process we lost 3 million people. It was your independence which was a gift from your British Masters.

We decide what to keep of it, should we wish to.

As far as Bangladesh is concerned you decide nothing. You are just an ill mannered Bhikari neighbor of Bangladesh.

Not when you have a victorious army camped on your soil, saving your lungis (remember the photos?), and then letting you have a nation on top of it, after saving you from genocide and mass rape.

You didn't save us from a genocide. Our liberation war had started on 25th March of 1971. Your army entered the erstwhile East Pakistan on 3rd December of 1971. By that time the genocide had already taken place.

Don't act bigger than your boots Saif.

Funny. This is coming from a person who belongs to a bhikari nation.

There is a saying in hindi/punjabi about tatte and their aukat.

It is funny that the aukat thing is coming from a gigolo of Mughals/Britishers/Arab Sheikhs.

No matter how big they get, they always remain below the flag mast.

This applies to India not Bangladesh.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

India responsible for tensed relations between India-Bangladesh: Nur

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Friday said that India is responsible for the tensed relation between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use this interim government like Awami League. “India is continuing its aggression and dominance over Bangladesh to destabilize the countr

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

India responsible for tensed relations between India-Bangladesh: Nur
BSS
Published :
Dec 13, 2024 21:24
Updated :
Dec 13, 2024 21:24

View attachment 11645

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur on Friday said that India is responsible for the tensed relation between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use this interim government like Awami League.

“India is continuing its aggression and dominance over Bangladesh to destabilize the country’s Interim Government. India is responsible for the tensed relations between India-Bangladesh as India cannot use the incumbent Interim Government like Awami League,” he said a national youth rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) in Dhaka on Friday.

Bangladesh Jubo Odhikar Parishad organized the rally protesting Indian aggression and domination. After holding rally, a procession was started in front of Jatiya Press Club and ended at Bijoynagar.

About India’s conspiracies to destabilize Bangladesh, Nurul Haque Nur said the Indian media and political society are trying to prove that communal riots are going on in Bangladesh in a planned manner.

He urged the international media including Indian media to come to Bangladesh and investigate all the allegations regarding communal riot and then present the actual facts.

“No communal attack is taking place in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that some isolated incidents happened due to political reasons.

Talking about India’s domination, he said: “If India shows reluctance to share waters of 54 common rivers between the two countries and does not give a fair share of water of the Teesta River, then Bangladesh should deal agreement with China to ensure its legitimate share.”

Nur said all agreements between Bangladesh-India should be made public.

Criticizing the killing of the Border Security Force (BSF), he said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) should give befitting reply to BSF’s encounter on the border.

With Bangladesh Jubo Odhikar Parishad president Manjur Morshed Mamun in the chair the rally was addressed among others by Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, vice president Rahul Islam and senior leaders Abu Hanif and Advocate Sarkar Nur Ershad Siddiqui.​

BD has a great advantage. They can oppress religious minorities, they can burn temples, they can rape women and blame India for spoiling relations.

 

[Saif]

BD has a great advantage. They can oppress religious minorities, they can burn temples, they can rape women and blame India for spoiling relations.

There were no rapes took place. It's Indian propaganda. By the by, whatever happened with the Hindus is none of India's concern. Because they are our citizens not yours.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

There were no rapes took place. It's Indian propaganda. By the by, whatever happened with the Hindus is none of India's concern. Because they are our citizens not yours.

They were either citizens of undivided India or their descendants. We have every right to be concern.
All Muslim and Islamic nations have right to have concerns for Muslims anywhere in world but India doesn't have the right to concern to BD Hindus.

 

[Saif]

They were either citizens of undivided India or their descendants. We have every right to be concern.
All Muslim and Islamic nations have right to have concerns for Muslims anywhere in world but India doesn't have the right to concern to BD Hindus.

Which Muslim country formally expressed concern for the plight of Muslims in India?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Which Muslim country formally expressed concern for the plight of Muslims in India?

Union of all Islamic countries. OIC, Iran, Pakistan.

 

[Saif]

Union of all Islamic countries. OIC, Iran, Pakistan.

Can you give me the link, please?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Can you give me the link, please?

Iran's Supreme leader lists India with other places where Muslims ‘suffer’, says cannot be oblivious

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has added India to a list of places where Muslims are suffering. India has strongly disagreed with his statement, calling it misinformed and unacceptable. The Ministry of External Affairs urged countries to review their own minority rights records...

m.economictimes.com

https://www.oic-oci.org/topic/?t_id=40069&t_ref=26810&lan=en

 

[Saif]

Want relations with India based on mutual interests, respect: Adviser Touhid

Touhid Hossain said the interim government's objective is ultimately to transfer power through a fair and credible election

www.thedailystar.net

Want relations with India based on mutual interests, respect: Adviser Touhid

Md Touhid Hossain

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain has said Bangladesh wants cordial relations with India based on mutual interests and respect, as it does with all other nations.

"The interim government is working towards that goal."

He made the remarks during a meeting with government officials, freedom fighters, public representatives, politicians, journalists, and civil society representatives in Belabo upazila of Narsingdi today.

Touhid Hossain said the interim government's objective is ultimately to transfer power through a fair and credible election.

"There is no room for doubt about it. Our first task is to restore stability in the country. We will organise the elections by paving the way for fundamental reforms so that no government can deviate from that path.

"Those who toppled the oppressive regime have certain demands. They seek reforms, and we have been tasked with implementing them."

Touhid said these reforms will require time and urged all to have patience.

He also urged political parties to work towards a future where students are no longer compelled to protest on the streets.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdul Karim chaired the event, while former secretary of bridges division Zahid Hossain, MRDI Adviser Shahid Hossain, Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council Chairman Wahid Hossain, former air commodore of Bangladesh Air Force Khalid Hossain, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Raipura Circle) Afsan Al Alam, and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Nazmul Hossain, among others, were present there.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh-India relations must be based on justice and equal dignity

Exploring the complexities of Bangladesh-India relations, cooperation, and challenges.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh-India relations must be based on justice and equal dignity

VISUAL: SALMAN SAKIB SHAHRYAR

The relationship between Bangladesh and India is a matter of profound significance and multifaceted complexity, deeply rooted in the historical, geographical, and cultural connections. Historically, this relationship has traversed numerous ups and downs. While there are many instances of friendship, cooperation and mutual support, incidents of suspicion and distrust have disrupted this bond. Recent political changes in Bangladesh due to a student-led mass uprising and the regional and international reactions associated with them have escalated these feelings of doubt and mistrust. Differing messages and perspectives within the realms of politics, diplomacy and the media are affecting the balance of relations between the two countries. As a result, establishing a sustainable, trust-based relationship based on justice and equality has become a significant challenge.

Addressing these challenges requires careful and proactive engagement from both countries. Resolving issues through cooperation, a visionary policy, sincere efforts, and a balanced perspective are essential.

Bangladesh-India relation is not confined to the political realm; it holds immense significance in economic, social, cultural, and geographical aspects as well. In this context, it is crucial for both the Indian government and its major political parties to assess Bangladesh's current political changes with an impartial and pragmatic perspective, and accept the realities associated with the 2024 July uprising. And their priority should be to cultivate a multidimensional, deep and inclusive relationship with the people of Bangladesh.

Regrettably, recent instances of anti-Bangladesh propaganda in certain Indian media outlets, open support for the ousted government, and dissemination of exaggerated news and misleading information have created barriers to impartial and objective analysis. As a result, the relationship between the two countries has become increasingly strained. The recent attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura has further exacerbated this situation. It is a condemnable incident that has damaged the diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Indian government must take swift and effective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

On the other hand, Bangladesh should focus on establishing a relationship with India based on justice and mutual respect. In this regard, it is essential to jointly explore solutions to long-standing unresolved issues, such as equitable sharing of river waters, stopping border killings, facilitating mutual trade and investment, and improving cross-border communication.

It is also vital for the Bangladesh government and political parties to avoid creating a space for anti-India rhetoric in discussions or protests. Adopting a responsible and mature approach in dealings with India is essential for safeguarding Bangladesh's long-term interests. Cheap anti-India sentiment may serve the immediate interests of certain political groups, but it is never conducive to the well-being of the Bangladeshi people.

Concerns about the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh and India are a tangible and deeply rooted issue, embedded within the social and political structures of both countries. In both nations, minority communities have, at various times, faced discrimination, persecution, and the shrinking of their rights. Addressing such discrimination through state action and well-planned policy formulation is crucial. However, this issue often becomes the focal point of political debates, complicating the path to a genuine solution and preventing the core of the problem from being addressed.

The primary demand of minority communities in both countries is equal rights, security, and a life of dignity. They do not wish to be used as tools for any political group's interests. Keeping this reality in mind, especially in the context of Bangladesh's recent political changes, ensuring the security of minorities should be a key focus of the interim government.

In this regard, it is essential to remain vigilant both within Bangladesh and beyond, against any group whose activities may disturb communal harmony. Such groups not only jeopardise internal stability but also have a negative impact on international relations. For example, an increase in communal tensions within Bangladesh could have repercussions in India, and similarly, the internal dynamics of India can affect the situation in Bangladesh.

It is a reality that narrow-minded, communal groups in both countries provoke intolerance and division. They not only create problems within their own nations but also influence each other. In this context, both governments have a responsibility to strictly control the activities of these groups and take effective steps to counter their influence.

Maintaining communal harmony is not solely the government's responsibility. Civil society, the media and religious leaders also play a crucial role in this process. It is necessary to create a humane, tolerant, and dignified environment where everyone can live safely in their own identity. Such a tolerant and inclusive environment is not only vital for minorities but also for the overall social stability and development of both countries. Bangladesh and India have a historic opportunity to set an example through cooperation, contributing to a future built on religious tolerance and respect for human rights.

Building a multidimensional and balanced relationship between Bangladesh and India based on justice and equal dignity is an imperative of our time. In the context of the deep interconnections of geography, history, culture and economics, making this relationship more sustainable and dynamic will ensure the socioeconomic welfare of the people of both countries. This is not only necessary but also essential for the overall development of both nations and regional stability.

In recent times, especially following the July uprising in Bangladesh, this has posed a significant challenge for the political parties, civil society and media in both countries. It has highlighted the need to reassess outdated strategies, narrow perspectives and one-sided decision-making processes. At the same time, it has created an opportunity to open the door to a new and positive bilateral relationship. Now is the time to seize this opportunity and take effective action. In bilateral discussions, both parties should jointly seek solutions to unresolved issues based on justice and mutual respect. If this opportunity is not seized in time, narrow-minded communal groups will try to exploit this gap and further complicate the situation.

Therefore, Bangladesh and India should take a collective initiative to begin a new chapter in the bilateral relationship. It is not only the responsibility of political leadership but also of civil society, academics and the media to create a positive environment. This will not only help build trust between the two countries but also set an example of peaceful and cooperative relations for the larger South Asian region. This way, current challenges will be addressed and the way for a brighter future for the people of both countries will also be paved.

Dr Selim Raihan is professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Dhaka and executive director of South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM).​

 

[Saif]

India stands to lose if it carries on in this manner

The manner in which India is withdrawing facilities to Bangladesh, it is India that stands to lose. If Bangladesh can take advantage, it will gain self-reliance

en.prothomalo.com

India stands to lose if it carries on in this manner
Subail Bin Alam
Published: 14 Dec 2024, 13: 50

After Sheikh Hasina fled, the propaganda being spewed out by various Indian IT channels and the resultant reaction of the Hindutva adherents, is leading to a steady deterioration of India's bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

Given that India is much bigger than Bangladesh from a geopolitical angle, generally speaking it would be Bangladesh that would face the more damage. However, the manner in which India is withdrawing facilities to Bangladesh, it is India that stands to lose. And if Bangladesh can take advantage of this situation, the country will advance ahead in self-reliance.

First of all there is the matter of trade. There is a USD 7,160.81 million trade deficit with India. According to a report appearing in Banik Barta on 21 October 2024, exports from Bangladesh have dropped by another 6 per cent. Now if they shut down the ports, our traders can snap up this opportunity. Previously the prices of inions, potatoes and rice would shoot up. Now the country imports quite an adequate supply of onions. And our choices have expanded now, with vessels arriving directly from Pakistan. As we didn't have this alternative choice before, we had to remain at India's mercy. If we can arrange another alternative of Myanmar alongside Pakistan, we can avail food imports at even cheaper rates.

Bangladesh ranks fourth among countries from which India receives remittances. While there are no accurate figures of how many foreign nationals work in Bangladesh, Deutsche Welle reports that around 500,000 India are likely to be working here. And most of them are here on tourist visas. If steps could be taken to prevent those coming here on tourist visas to take up jobs, then the large number of unemployed persons in our country could be given jobs.

Our problem has been our subservient foreign policy that gave all to India. They cannot accept that now we want to remain on equal footing. This is a chance for us to become self-reliant. Can our businesspersons or the government avail this opportunity?
India has constructed dams on 53 out of the 54 common rivers. According to river researchers, in the sixties there had been over 750 rivers in Bangladesh. This has now dropped to only 230 in total. On average, every year droughts cause losses of Tk 27.34 billion (Tk 2,734 crore) and floods Tk 300 billion (Tk 30,000 crore). The government has not yet signed the UN International Watercourses Convention of 1997. This incident will put further pressure on them to ensure that we get our fair share.

Every year 2.47 million medical tourists travel to India from Bangladesh for treatment. A total of Tk 500 billion (Tk 50 thousand crore) is going abroad in this manner from medical treatment. This money could bring about radical changes in our health sector. It is only natural for people to choose different countries to go for better treatment. Already people have started looking into other countries for this purpose.

According to Odhikar, in the span of time between 2000 and 2020, a total of 1,236 were killed at the hands of India's border force BSF. Another 1,145 were injured. Ain O Salish Kendra's records state that between 2021 and 2023 a total 70 had died. Even on 6 December this year, they killed one person in Panchagargh. According to Article 7 of the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s Rome Statute; Principle 9 of UN Fundamental Principles, 1990; and Article 3 of the Geneva Convention 4, these are violations of international law. We need to seek justice at the ICC in this regard.

The majority of tourists visiting India are from Bangladesh, constituting 21.55 per cent of the total. India's revenue from this sector is around Tk 17 billion. Just imagine what a contribution we are making to their economy?

Marquis Street in Kolkata, the capital of India's West Bengal state, is known as mini Bangladesh. The streets and alleyways of that area teem with Bangladeshi tourists, shoppers and traders. These roads and lanes are now empty. In Kolkata, the traders of New Market thrive on shoppers from Bangladesh. Now there are no shoppers from Bangladesh and there is no business.

The hoteliers, hawkers, food shops, cabs are all in the red. India had stopped issuing visas to Bangladeshis, to the cost of the Indian nationals. All this is being reported in the Indian media. They say that with the lack of customers from Bangladesh, the traders and other businesspersons "will soon have to starve".

Now let's look at the unjust deals signed with this country. Till date, three line of credit or LoC agreements have been signed between Bangladesh and India. According to agreement, India is supposed to provide Bangladesh with USD 7.36 billion (USD 736 crore). But so far only USD 1.84 billion (USD 184 crore) has been released. And the work has to be carried out by India companies. And with the projects that they are funding, will facilitate transit and power to India's seven states over Bangladesh's territory. They were the beneficiaries. India is availing transit at a perfunctory cost, by road, river or using the Chittagong and Mongla ports. These deals that go against the interests of our country must be revoked.

It is now time to take into cognizance the deals signed with Adani, the Rampal deal and so on. There is no exit clause on the deal signed between Adani and the fallen Awami League government. There are other deals which haven't been revealed, it is believed, and there is public pressure to bring these out in the open. The past prime minister had said, "India will never be able to forget what we have given it." The people who went against the country's interests to sign these contracts must also be made to face the law. Government bureaucrats are also as liable for this as the politicians.

SAARC must be revived if we are to be saved from India. We must make all-out efforts to join ASEAN. Despite the Rohingya issue with Myanmar, we need to start trade with them. India has created such problems no with Bangladesh alone. There have been 'India Out' campaigns in Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and even in Qatar. All ASEAN countries too, at one point of time or the other, have had heated relations with India. And everyone had managed to retrieve their dues.

Our problem has been our subservient foreign policy that gave all to India. They cannot accept that now we want to remain on equal footing. This is a chance for us to become self-reliant. Can our businesspersons or the government avail this opportunity?

* Subail Bin Alam is a columnist on sustainable development.​

 

[Saif]

ভারত বাংলাদেশিদের ভিসা না দেয়ায় কার ক্ষতি হচ্ছে?