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

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

That is why I say that BD will go on Pakistan way not on SL way. SL survived with the help of India but you guys will kill each other for food like what is happening in Pakistan.

Thanks for your opinion.

Although right now - it is India who will lose about twenty billion dollars a year if Bangladesh boycott of Indian exports goes through 100%. Loss of transit and bandwidth transfer to NE states. Loss of use of Bangladesh ocean ports. Losses all on Indian side. Bangladesh will simply choose other suppliers for agri-produce like onions, sugar and potatoes. Process is already under way.

Kolkata alone loses 350 crore in revenues every month in hospitality and medical tourism losses, thanks to BJP anti-Bangladesh visa nautanki.

BJP keeps shooting itself into its foot in WB politics by being anti-business.

Mamta Behen is strengthening her position day by day.
 
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But India is higher on the hunger index than all its neighbors..

Not only hunger index - I think they also rate pretty badly on under five child development (many factors) and education.

For every Indian child that gets educated in private hill station schools in Manali and Shimla, there are tens of thousands who are eight pass and can't read or write. Even among South Asian neighbors, Indian record is pretty dismal.

None of this is a surprise, being that entire South Asia is a 3rd world entity. This is well known.

What I find utterly sad is that there is a concerted effort by "new Indians" (a growing section of the Indian population) to hide this poor state of affairs using lies and propaganda.

These figures are from 2022.

By misinformation using Godi media - they want to present a different face of India to the world.

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Dhaka-Delhi ties must be defined by respect and fairness
First high-level meetings since Hasina's fall touch on key bilateral challenges

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VISUAL: STAR

The first high-level talks between Bangladesh and India should be seen both as a recognition of the challenges straining our bilateral relationship and as a welcome attempt to recalibrate it in light of the new reality following Bangladesh's political changeover four months ago. During his daylong visit to Dhaka on Monday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held separate discussions with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, as well as his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Jashim Uddin. Media reports on the meetings indicate that both camps used the occasion to address key areas of contention while laying the groundwork for what they hope to be a mutually beneficial partnership.

This is something we indeed welcome, as a constructive partnership between our two nations is essential not only for addressing existing challenges but also for unlocking the vast potential of mutual cooperation in areas of shared interest. The first step in that direction, as Prof Yunus has rightly pointed out, would be addressing the "clouds" or sources of tension that have overshadowed our relationship in recent months—a responsibility that India must lead on, given its involvement in these issues.

Chief among them is the harmful narrative propagated by certain Indian media outlets and politicians regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, which undermined its reputation and sovereignty and even led to assaults on its diplomatic missions. It is imperative for the Indian authorities to take decisive steps to counter such propaganda to prevent continued erosion of trust between our peoples. Of equal concern are Sheikh Hasina's inflammatory speeches and statements coming out of her place of refuge in India, which is further fanning tensions and divisions. While Vikram Misri has emphasised that India's ties with Bangladesh transcend party politics, the continuation of such rhetoric from its territory must be prevented to rebuild confidence in our shared journey.

The longstanding issue of border killings—with the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) gunning down a suspected cattle lifter along the Panchagarh border as recently as Friday—remains another test for the durability of the drive to recalibrate our partnership. The recurring loss of Bangladeshi lives at the border contradicts the spirit of neighbourly interactions. While we acknowledge India's concerns about border crimes, there is no justification for extrajudicial killings. We urge India to adopt humane and sustainable solutions to all border law enforcement issues.

Among other key bilateral issues discussed during the talks are trade, agreements on transboundary rivers, including the Teesta, flood management, electricity imports from India and beyond, Rohingya repatriation, etc. The future of our ties with India will largely depend on how it responds to Bangladesh's position on these and other issues. One thing is certain, however. Increasing collaboration and cooperation from both sides will not only boost regional stability and economic integration, but can also help build a partnership that is reflective of the aspirations of both nations.

We value our ties with India, and appreciate its desire to work closely with the interim government. But going forward, our relationship must be grounded in mutual respect and fairness.​
 

What will the basis of India's new relations with Bangladesh be?
Selim Raihan
Updated: 10 Dec 2024, 22: 24

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Demonstrations in Dhaka against anti-Bangladesh campaigns in India Prothom Alo

Bangladesh and India relations are important and multidimensional, strongly linked to the history, geography and culture of the two countries. Historically speaking, this relationship has gone through a lot of ups and downs. While there are many examples of friendship, cooperation and mutual support, these relations are marred time and again by suspicion and mistrust, complicating the way ahead.

In recent times the political change in Bangladesh brought about by the July-August mass uprising, along with regional and international reactions, had taken this suspicion and mistrust to a new height. Various messages and attitudes conveyed in different political, diplomatic and media contexts are affecting the balance of relations between the two countries. As a result, a challenge looms large to building up sustainable and trustful relations on the basis of fairness and equality.

Maintaining communal harmony is not simply the responsibility of the government. The civil society, the media and religious leaders also have an important role in this process

Need for fairness and multidimensionality

Bangladesh and India's relations are not restricted to the political arena alone. This is important on an economic, cultural and geographical scale too. In this context it has become imperative for the Indian government as well as the major political parties over there to evaluate the political change in Bangladesh in a dispassionate and realistic manner and to accept the reality sprouting from the July-August mass uprising. This evaluation must not be biased towards any one particular political party, but their priority should be towards building a multidimensional, deep and inclusive relationship with the people of Bangladesh.

However, it is unfortunate that in recent times certain media in India have been running a smear campaign against Bangladesh, openly supporting the fallen fascist government, presenting false information and publishing exaggerated news. This has created an obstacle to objective and dispassionate analysis. As a result, the complexities in relations between the two countries are growing. The recent attack on the Bangladesh assistant high commission in Tripura, India, has made matters worse. This is a condemnable incident that has damaged diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Indian government must certainly take speedy and effective measures to ensure that such an incident is not repeated.

In the meantime, Bangladesh too should focus on establishing relations with Bangladesh on the basis of fairness and mutual respect. In this context it is important to jointly search for ways to resolve the longstanding unresolved issues between the two countries, such as sharing of river waters, halting border killing, easing bilateral trade and investment and improving communications.

It is also important for the Bangladesh government and political parties not to create a cheap anti-Indian space in bilateral talks with India or in protests. It is vital in the interests of upholding Bangladesh's long-standing interests to adopt a responsible and mature stance in the matter of relations with India. Cheap India bashing may boost the interests of certain political groups, but this will never be conducive to the welfare of the Bangladesh people.

Protecting religious minorities: Shared challenge

Concern regarding the rights of the religious minorities in Bangladesh and India is a deep-rooted problem that exists in the social and political structures of both countries. In both countries the minority communities at various times have faced discrimination, oppression and a shrinking of rights. It is imperative for the state to take measures and have a well-planned policy to end such discrimination. But this problem often becomes the centre of political debate, obfuscating the actual way to a solution and the actual roots are not reached.

The minority communities in both countries want equal rights, security and dignity. They do not want to become tools of any particular political group. With this in mind, particularly in context of the recent political change in Bangladesh, one of the most important responsibilities of the interim government should be to ensure the security of the minorities.

It is imperative to be alert against activities of any groups within the country or outside that may harm communal harmony. Such groups do not only put the country's internal stability at risk, but also have a negative impact on international relations. For example, if communal agitation increases in Bangladesh, this may find reflection in India and in the same manner, India's situation can have an impact on Bangladesh's internal situation.

The fact remains that narrow-minded communal groups create intolerance and divisions in both countries. They are not satisfied with creating problems in their own countries alone, but influence and inspire each other. The governments of both countries must sternly control the activities of such groups and take effective measures to this end.

Maintaining communal harmony is not simply the responsibility of the government. The civil society, the media and religious leaders also have an important role in this process. The leadership of both countries must unitedly take initiative to ensure that the rights and the security of the religious minorities. It is also imperative to build up a humanitarian and tolerant environment or dignity where everyone can live safely with their own identities.

Such a tolerant and inclusive environment is not only conducive for minorities, but is very important for the overall social stability and development of both countries. This is a historical opportunity for both countries to set up an example of religious harmony and respect for human rights by means of mutual cooperation and to build up a future.

Using new possibilities

It has become absolutely imperative for Bangladesh and India to build up multidimensional and balanced relations. From the perspective of deep ties of geography, history, culture and economy, these relations can be rendered sustainable and dynamic to ensure the socioeconomic welfare of the people of both countries. This is not just essential, but imperative for the overall development and regional stability of both countries.

The present times in Bangladesh, particularly in the time after the July-August mass uprising, stands as a big challenge to the political parties, civil societies and the media of both the countries. This has brought forward the need to reevaluate the old strategies, narrow viewpoints and one-sided decisions. At the same time, fresh opportunities have arisen to open the doors to a new and positive bilateral relationship.

Now the time has come to put this opportunity to use. Both sides should try to find joint solutions to the unresolved problems on the basis of fairness and mutual respect. If this opportunity is not taken up, then the communal forces will slip in through the gaps and try to make the situation murky. Such groups create a block to peaceful coexistence and long-tern partnership between the two countries.

Their instigative activities exacerbate the problems rather than resolving them. This is harmful to the development and growth of both countries. That is why Bangladesh and India must make concerted efforts to start a new chapter. It is not the responsibility of political leadership alone but of the civil society, academics and the media to create a positive environment. This will not generate a feeling of hope within the country, but will establish and model of relations of peace and cooperation in the greater region of South Asia.

The leadership of both countries should ensure socioeconomic development of the people by means of far-looking and realistic policies. Narrow, one-sided viewpoints should be dropped and bilateral relations taken ahead on the basis of sincerity, mutual respect and cooperation. This is not just a matter of tackling the present challenges, but will facilitate a bright future for both countries.

*Selim Raihan is a professor of economics at Dhaka University and executive director, SANEM. He may be reached at selim.raihan@gmail.com

*This column appeared in the print an online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir​
 

Indian foreign secy briefs MPs on Bangladesh tour
Says Bangladesh promised action against the perpetrators of violence against minorities


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File photo of Vikram Misri/Collected

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, led by Congress lawmaker Dr Shashi Tharoor, about the situation in Bangladesh yesterday.

The briefing comes after an Indian delegation led by Misri held a Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka on December 9.

Several MPs questioned Misri about the ground situation in Bangladesh amid daily reports of violence against minorities appearing in the Indian media. The foreign secretary assured them that the Bangladesh government had promised action against the perpetrators.

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.

Many MPs, cutting across party lines, expressed concerns about the violence and unrest in Bangladesh and the fate of an arrested Hindu monk, former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. Misri assured the panel that the government has taken all necessary steps at various levels to address the issue, including through diplomatic channels.

Sources indicated that many MPs wanted to determine the status of deposed Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after her ouster on August 5, and whether she was a refugee or had taken asylum. External affairs ministry officials did not comment on this, the sources added.

After the meeting, committee chairman Tharoor expressed satisfaction with the briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs official. "It was a very good meeting, and since we will be reporting to parliament about this issue, which is going to be sometime later next year, it can be termed as a very good beginning," he said.

Tharoor also noted that Misri had given a comprehensive briefing and was pleased with the high turnout of committee members.

However, sources said a consultative committee meeting scheduled for December 14, in which Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was to apprise the panel about India's neighbourhood policy in light of the Bangladesh situation, has been called off due to "unavoidable circumstances" and will be held at a later date.

Misri's visit was the first top-level diplomatic contact between New Delhi and Dhaka since the regime change in Bangladesh.

Besides calling on Yunus, Misri also met Foreign Adviser Touhid Hussain and his Bangladeshi counterpart Jashim Uddin in Dhaka.​
 

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