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

[Saif]

Strengthening Trade and Investment Linkages

To promote mutual prosperity, both countries will strengthen trade and investment ties, beginning with negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The early operationalization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Mongla and Mirsharai, along with the establishment of new border haats, will further enhance bilateral trade. Improved connectivity infrastructure across road, rail, air, and maritime routes will transform geographical proximity into tangible economic benefits.

Collaborative Water Resource Management

Water resource management remains a priority, with both nations committing to data exchange and formulating frameworks for interim water sharing, guided by the Joint Rivers Commission. Efforts will focus on the conservation and management of the Teesta River with Indian assistance, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and equitable resource utilization.

Cooperation and Regional Stability

The partnership aims to strengthen defence cooperation with a long-term perspective, aligning with the modernization plans of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. This includes exploring defence industrial cooperation and continuing multifaceted military engagements, such as joint exercises, training, and capability development.

Development Cooperation and Capacity Building

A new Framework Agreement for Development Partnership will expand the reach of joint projects and programs, aligned with the priorities of the Bangladeshi government and people. Capacity-building initiatives will extend to civil services, judicial officers, police, and other specialized services, fostering a robust and efficient administrative framework.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

The rich cultural and historical heritage shared by India and Bangladesh will be nurtured through exchanges among Muktijoddhas, scholars, academics, artists, tourists, students, and youth. Support for Muktijoddhas and their families will be enhanced with new medical and educational programs, strengthening the bond between the two nations.

Facilitating Cross-Border Travel and Essential Commodities

To ease cross-border travel, India will extend e-Medical Visa facilities to Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India. Additionally, the opening of a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur will facilitate expeditious consular and visa services. India will also support Bangladesh with the supply of essential commodities based on availability.

Youth Development and Regional Integration

The partnership will prioritize youth development through education, skilling, entrepreneurship, technology, sports, and creative industries, responding to the aspirations of the younger generation for a better future. Both nations envision their relationship as a cornerstone for regional and sub-regional integration under BIMSTEC, SAARC, and IORA frameworks, working together on global platforms to promote common interests.

Commitment to a Free and Secure Indo-Pacific

Reiterating their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, India and Bangladesh will co-lead the 'Disaster Risk Reduction and Management' pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. This collaboration aims to mitigate disaster risks, build resilient infrastructure, and sustain the shared maritime region.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh key part of India's SAGAR doctrine, Indo-Pacific vision: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has emphasized the significance of Bangladesh in India's strategic plans for regional cooperation and security. He stated that Bangladesh is crucial for India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and its vision for the Indo-Pacific region...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

Bangladesh is a key part of India's SAGAR doctrine. The two countries agreed to collaborate on frontier technologies, including civil nuclear, oceanography, and space technology. To this end, India will partner in joint development of a small satellite for Bangladesh and its launch using an Indian launch vehicle. Sheikh Hasina has put the last nail in Bangladesh's coffin.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s existence in danger: BNP

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, said on Thursday that the existence of Bangladesh was in...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh's existence in danger: BNP
Staff Correspondent 28 June, 2024, 00:26

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, said on Thursday that the existence of Bangladesh was in danger due to the Awami League government's policy towards India.

'Today, the existence of Bangladesh is in danger. You have seen that during the prime minister's recent India visit, all the agreements and memorandums of understanding were made, none in favour of Bangladesh,' Fakhrul said at a human chain programme in Dhaka.

The Women and Children's Rights Forum organised the programme in front of the BNP's Naya Paltan central office, demanding the unconditional release of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

'A foreign minister has been appointed, who again and again gives us the impression that we do not understand the difference between a treaty and a MoU. He advises us to study. I don't want to answer his words. I just want to say one thing, don't be dishonest with the country. Do not fool people and mislead them into signing treaties and agreements that are against the interests of my people,' he said.

Saying that the people want to know what the government has achieved during the prime minister's visit to India, the BNP secretary general said, 'There is no talk of border killing. India is our close friend, such a close friend who shoots and kills our citizens at the border.'

He said that there was no such precedent anywhere in the world, and people could not be misled by how the government was justifying India's killing.

Fakhrul said that the country is in extreme danger, the government is selling the country, and there is no rule of law in the country.

'They [the government] destroyed every institution, the independence of the judiciary has been undermined, and the media has been strangled,' he said, adding that the aim is to prolong the power that has been illegally usurped.

Fakhrul suspected that the renewal of the suspension of the sentence of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia every six months was a government trick.

He said that Khaleda Zia was sentenced in an arranged case, as the main goal was to remove her from politics.

Khaleda Zia has been detained for using the law illegally, he said, adding that the former prime minister has to fight death every day.

Stating that Khaleda Zia's release movement is significant for the overall movement, the BNP secretary general said that democracy and Khaleda Zia could not be separated.

'Khaleda Zia and democracy are synonymous. If Khaleda Zia can be freed, democracy will be freed. If democracy can be freed, Khaleda Zia will be freed,' he said.​

 

[Deleted due to Error (Muji Iqbal)]

Didn't read the article, but I understand why Bangladesh may want good relations with India. India is a neighbor of Bangladesh and Bangladesh does trade with India. But China is an alternative to India for Bangladesh.

 

[Bilal9]

Sea ports and Air ports are strategic assets. India wants to get a firm grip on Bangladesh by getting transit through Bangladesh and by controlling our ports. This way India manages to reduce our strategic value to China significantly.

Absolutely ! Brilliant observation !