Thorns in Indo-Bangladesh relations Transit plays a vital role in designing Indo-Bangladesh relations. However, the public opinion in Bangladesh is not in favour of transit, writes Wajid Ali Khan Panni WHILE envisioning the future of Indo-Bangladesh relations in the current era of democratic optimism, I am reminded of the words of Bangabandhu. In a speech delivered in Kolkata in February 1972, he said, 'Let us bring to an end once and for all the sterile policy of confrontation between neighbours. Let us not fritter away our national resources but use them to lift the standard of living of our people.' Unfortunately, he could not shape the destiny of South Asia through cooperation, trust and mutual assistance as he envisioned. The subcontinent not only lost the vision but also the leader. The following decades have seen ebbs and flows in bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh, making it one of the biggest historical anachronisms. India and Bangladesh should have had a special relationship, because India supported our war of independence and fought the war along with our freedom fighters and helped liberate Bangladesh from the oppressive rule of Pakistan. Bangladesh is the first country in the post-Second World War period to attain freedom as a consequence of struggle for liberation. Even today, the war of independence and the heroic role of Indian army live in the minds of Bangladeshis who have witnessed the traumatic years of conflict, killings and assassinations. Apart from that, India and Bangladesh share common history, heritage and cultural ethos. So it was expected that both countries will soon herald an era of mutual respect and cooperation to address the issues of poverty and economic underdevelopment. Bangabandhu's speech indeed reflected such expectations. However, the folklore of liberation heroism did not last long in Indian political circles which ultimately affected the relationship between these two countries. Mutual respect gave way to distrust and cooperative goals were shifted to diplomats' dinner tables. Instead of exploring the possibilities of pragmatic policies, we always ended up in never-ending dialogues and accusations. But now the time has come to discuss the core issues in a realistic manner. In an era of globalisation and internationalisation of trade, the economic prosperity of India and Bangladesh is closely linked to the future of our bilateral relationship. However, both the countries have yet to find a formula, an acceptable system that can provide with the tranquillity we so desperately need, to effectively confront our enormous human needs. Hence, it is important to discuss the prospects of Indo-Bangladesh relations in the current context of democratic revival in Bangladesh. From the perspective of a Bangladeshi, I think that we respect India and are grateful to India for playing the role of midwife in the birth of our nation. We are still a nascent democracy, trying to project our own identity as a nation amidst innumerable problems of internal chaos.. However, we hail our national spirit, political sovereignty and independence without any compromise. We are always willing to work with India on any bilateral or sub-regional issues on the basis of mutual respect as sovereign equals with full understanding that Bangladesh's territorial integrity will be respected irrespective of our internal problems and past history. In international relations, sovereign states are always inclined to protect crucial issues of national interest irrespective of the assistance rendered to them during crisis period. It is the very basis of nation-state system. Naturally, Bangladesh took a realistic stand on issues related to border demarcation, water sharing, transit and refugee problem, etc, which was not reciprocated by India. As a sovereign country, Bangladesh, for all its inconsistencies, has to seek answers to our impending problems. Bangladesh shares common border with India on the north, west and east. Even in the south, the Bay of Bengal is dominated by Indian naval presence. Hence, the two countries cannot ignore each other, both strategically and politically. Bangladesh expected that India would extend her help and support in the economic development of the country through better trade relationship and investment. But India's relationship with Bangladesh was always dominated by military and security concern rather than friendship and equal status. When there was an acute shortage of rice after the Sidr devastation, the Indian external affairs minister came to Dhaka and offered to sell 500,000 tonnes of rice, and also rehabilitation of an entire village. But in reality the rice sale had lots of problems and there is no news about the reconstruction of the village. In fact, India's flood control schemes have only compounded the same problem downstream in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's cries of despair fell on deaf ears in New Delhi. The border demarcation dispute is still pending from the Indian side whereas Bangladesh has done its part. The maritime border demarcation is also pending with the Indian side.Though bilateral trade between the countries has increased after the 1990s, the balance of trade is significantly in favour of India. The Indian economy is larger, diversified and more advanced in industry, service, science and technology, etc. India is one of the most important sources of import of Bangladesh. Approximately 12 per cent of Bangladesh's total imports originate in India. Imports from India far exceed $1 billion annually (unofficially almost the same amount) and are highly diversified, which makes Bangladesh one of the large clients for Indian goods, whereas exports are very small, around $100 million. Consumer industries in India are booming. Kolkata looks prosperous with its health clinics, hospitals, private schools, hotels, shopping centres minting money. I was told that Bangladeshis spend around 5-6 crore rupees a day in just Kolkata, which should give reason to India to look at us as a very important and useful neighbour. Bangladesh is more open and liberalised, compared to India. Hence the restrictive trade policies of India also affected the balance of trade in Bangladesh. Apart from that Bangladesh has not had adequate marketing and distribution facilities in India.. Hence, Bangladesh goods often fail to penetrate the huge Indian market and compete with domestic firms which enjoy the economies of scale, competitiveness and government support. We expect reciprocal trade relationship with India with a proactive and concessional trade linkage which will boost our export, trade and economy in general. However, India doesn't seem to be interested in initiating a proactive and facilitating role in economic relations on this ground. This asymmetric relation has indeed reflected in political sphere as well. We feel India as a big neighbour should extend help and knowledge support to Bangladesh to develop our human resources, scientific and technological innovations, social and physical infrastructure, etc. Bangladesh could have been an ideal place for Indian entrepreneurs to invest in consumer industries whose products could have been exported to the Seven Sister States, and then the pressure for transit would have not been there. However, India was not forthcoming to take active role in emancipating the small neighbour without interfering in territorial integrity. The slow progress in economic issues between the two countries is due to the fact that Indian military and security establishments play a major role in shaping foreign policy. India suspects that Bangladesh is supporting insurgency movements in its north-eastern region and giving infrastructure support to jihadi forces. India has been demanding for transit facility through Bangladesh because the economic revival of the Seven Sisters depends on a road channel through Bangladesh. In fact, transit plays a vital role in designing Indo-Bangladesh relations. However, the public opinion in Bangladesh is not in favour of transit. Moreover, the physical infrastructure in the country is not developed to carry additional vehicular transport within the territory. Bangladesh has neither the money nor the technical expertise to modernise internal transport system to accommodate goods passage from India. Strategic and security related concerns will also emerge since north-east is a melting spot of Indian territory. Hence, India should realise the sensitive nature of the transit issue and the practical difficulties involved in it. So, there is a need for icebreaking from both sides on the transit issue. If India can redesign the trade and investment policy to help and emancipate Bangladesh economy through more investment, concession in exports and assistance for infrastructure development, it will definitely create a favourable public opinion in Bangladesh which will ultimately lead to the amicable solution of the transit issue. Another bone of contention between India and Bangladesh is the issue of illegal migration to West Bengal. However, the Bangladesh government denies that the country has ever encouraged anti-Indian movements in the north-east. Regarding the danger of terrorism, Bangladesh offered support and highlighted the need for a joint task force to counter terrorist attacks within the subcontinent. In fact, the recent election result in our country has ultimately proved the victory of secularism and democracy amidst the widespread propaganda about the Talibanisation of Bangladesh by extremist forces. Leaders practising divisive politics and narrow-minded policymakers also contributed to the strained relationship between Bangladesh and India. In Bangladesh, it was believed that anti-Indian slogan was sure to get popular votes in elections. There was a misconception that the masses in Bangladesh view India as a factor for their own economic and political problems. However, the recent election verdict again proved that India-bashing is not necessary to win elections. For, the people of Bangladesh are more concerned about the efficiency and capability of the internal political system rather than outside factors. There is, however, no denying the fact that seeds of hatred was sowed in the minds of people from both sides despite common ethos they share and inherit. We should realise the foolishness of the hatred campaign and try to initiate concrete step towards a better bilateral relationship rather than digging the graveyard of past problems and lack of trust. Meaningful dialogue is required at all levels, from local to national. Bangladesh needs the support and good will of India not only as a strong neighbour but also as a strong ally in our struggle against all forces of extremism, hegemony and armed conflict. The political and economic destiny of the subcontinent largely depends on sub-regional cooperation rather than dispute and hatred. I am sure that India has also realised that friendly relationship with Bangladesh is essential for the development of the Seven Sisters. India will continue to share concern for events in Bangladesh because Bangladesh is positioned in a sensitive and highly volatile area. Hence how India will structure its relationship with Bangladesh will be central to the economic life of its Northeast. Likewise, improving the relationship with the emerging Asian giant will help Bangladesh to develop our industry, trade and infrastructure. Though there are differences of opinion, as a political entity operating under the intricacies of market economy, Bangladesh cannot afford ignoring India's friendship. For this to happen, the political leaders of both countries have to change their mindset and myopic vision. Our bilateral relationship was always viewed through the coloured glasses of security concerns and military interests. The mind set and pre-conceptions inherited from the past often influence the policy decisions. Lack of stable governance in Bangladesh also affected possibilities of concrete steps towards greater cooperation. Now the time has changed. Once again democracy has resurrected in Bangladesh with a clear popular majority. Hence it is the responsibility of the Awami League to take bold and positive initiatives to improve bilateral relationship without compromising the values and national ethos Bangladesh always stands for. I hope our prime minister will succeed in this effort and will make the dreams of her father a reality. Wajid Ali Khan Panni is a former MP, deputy foreign minister and high commissioner. wajidpanni@gmail.com http://www.newagebd.com/2009/feb/03/oped.html |
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