Bangladesh-India Relations: Wheels within Wheels
The idea of Swadeshi or "one's own country" is one of the noblest conceptions that have stirred the heart of humanity and was the quintessential factor, that influenced two partitions ,within the sub-continent; first partition, 1947 created India and Pakistan, the second partition, 1971 confirmed birth of Bangladesh . Why did this happen? Freedom is the birth right of every Nation; secondly, the country's interests were made subservient to the interest of the "Rulers".
In his book, "The Saga of Struggle and Sacrifice" Pranab Mukherjee wrote,"Much had been done by Great Britain for the benefit of India, and the whole country was truly grateful for it. She had given them order, railways and above all the inestimable blessings of Western education. The more progress the people made in education and material prosperity, the greater would be the insight into political matters and the keener their desire for political advancement." Precisely with this view in mind, I expressed my opinion, that determining public opinion and reaching a national consensus are a must before the government signs any agreement with India, (Financial Express, Nov7, 2009). This basic exercise would have generated a debate within the Parliament and the 0pposition( being the next representative component) and obtaining national consensus would have given the Prime Minister more leverage to strongly bargain the" issues " with India.
The visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her entourage to New Delhi, India (January10-13, 2010) was laudable as she was honored with the Indira Gandhi Award for Peace, Disarmament and Development, for 2009. Bangladesh feels proud of this achievement. Success of this visit lies in mutual trust and implementations. However, the visit also has generated controversial opinions causing polarizations and confusions among Citizens detailed herein for readers to judge:
(1) Taj Hashmi writes, (New Age, Jan 23, 2010) "At times rabidly loyal Awami supporters convey the wrong message to the detriment of their country, party and leader. Not only anti-Awami Leaguers consider the party 'pro-Indian' but some immoderate supporters of the party unwittingly also give similar impression about their party. BNP supporters, on the other hand, knowingly or unknowingly, give the impression that they prefer Pakistan to India, if not to Bangladesh.
(2) Professor M.Maniruzzaman Mia writes, (New Age,Feb9,2010) "We have conceded everything that India wanted but we have not managed to receive anything in return except the warmth of India's friendship.0ne wonders whether this friendship is between the peoples of two neighboring countries or between the two parties that have come to power here and in India.
(3) Mahfuz Anam writes (Daily Star,Feb9,2010)"The history of mutual suspicion, petty bickering on trade negotiations, cavalier attitude on border killings, dangerous gamesmanship with arms smuggling, etc of the last three decades of Bangladesh-India relations would not normally justify the agreements that Sheikh Hasina penned two weeks ago. Only a vision would.
(4) Predictably the Bangladesh 0pposition led by Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and supported by Jamaat-e-Islami(JI) have called the agreements a total surrender of Bangladesh's interest to India (Daily Star,Feb9,2010).
As Bangladeshi Citizen, my concern is, (1) whether the visit, actually enhances good friendship and cooperation for economic benefit, and (2) whether adequate measures have been ensured to improve respectability, integrity and security of Bangladesh.
For the benefit of the readers, to understand the economic benefits, let me explain first, the Billion line of credit, offered by India, is not free and 1.7 percent charge is to be made, 5 years grace period and to be repaid back by twenty years (bangladeshinfo.com). Calculation on this basis indicates, at end of 20years, we have to return billion plus interest amount 5, 000000. The principal amount to be used for development of roads, railway tracks, bridges, railway lines, purchases of locomotives and coaches, buses, dredgers for dredgers for river, all this for India to develop its North-East States(earlier this type of credit was not offered). However, clarification is needed on the methods of purchase and whether source of purchase, from this credit is restricted to India or open to competitive purchase from other international countries. The joint communiqué indicates that Nepal, Bhutan, India and its N-east states will use the Ashuganj, Chittagong and Mongla ports but terms and conditions for use of ports, cargo type and its taxation plus customs security procedure are not indicated for analysis. It is imperative that a transparent method be used for its finalization, as Indian Government has its Army stationed in these States to contain the high level of insurgency. The predicaments of both areas, West Bengal and North-East States, are a result of financial disparity and mismanagement by the central Government.
Now on integrity and security of Bangladesh . New Age report dated February07, 2010 "BSF Kills Bangladeshi (a farmer) on Tentulia border. This killing totals 898 unarmed Bangadeshis since January 1, 2000 i.e 89.8 a year. A more gruesome case reported February 05, 2010 "BSF, BDR trade gunshots; BSF kidnaps BDR soldier, returns after 10hours. The soldier was shot at close range without any provocation and at gunpoint kidnapped into India. Instead of responding to a Flag meeting by BDR 0fficials, BSF resorted to firing into Bangladesh territory late evening. This prompted BDR to fire back and guards of both countries exchanged about 100 gunshots. Finally, flag meeting was held and soldier returned.
The above cited incidents are repulsive and such trends are dangerous, therefore requires immediate attention and action from Indian Army Authorities, under supervision of Indian Senior most Politician. "India will not take any step that would hurt Bangladesh", this oft repeated vague jargon should not be accepted by Bangladesh any more particularly, in view of the recently signed three agreements on cross-border terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking. Indians failing to control their armed personnel tantamount to Terrorist act, deplored by the International Community, with which India wishes to become a partner on security affairs of the region. India is fully aware that in normal peace time the internationally accepted rule is to" arrest" only, illegal persons crossing into the territory, intelligence surveillance, and support to immigration and customs 0fficials. Additionally, India has plans to contain insurgents in the North-East States and also the Maoist/Marxist insurgency in West Bengal, declared as "Red Corridor Zone". Myanmar had given a "cold shoulder" attitude in response to India's proposal for cooperation in this exercise.
The five principles, of Non-Aligned Movement and the Gujral Doctrine are known to both Bangladesh and India, and one fails to understand why these are not followed as the basic intentions to enhance Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, between both Countries are there. So, what can India Do? The good intention should be augmented by prompt solutions to pending issues and recent Joint Communiqué. Late J.N.Dixit former Foreign Secretary in his book "Liberation and Beyond", advocated that outstanding issues like the Ganges Water sharing issues, delineation of maritime boundary, transfer of enclaves, offering transit facilities to Bangladesh to trade with Bhutan and Nepal etc be solved soon. He also mentioned that while late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reaffirmed his gratitude to India for supporting the liberation struggle he desired that India-Bangladesh relationship be imbued with a spirit of equality. Late Mujib was clear in his mind that he did not wish to be over-dependent on India. He did not wish that Bangladesh to be clubbed a client State of India, as was being anticipated by many political observers and analysts from different parts of the world. Will Sheikh Hasina follow the visions of her late father?
Ms.Smruti S. Patel, Research Fellow, Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, offers her personal, but valuable opinion. India needs to walk the extra mile and, if necessary, provide unilateral trade concessions already hinted by the finance minister. But any concession or policy announcements must not be allowed to get tangled in bureaucratic red tapes leading to broken promises; India's offer of half a million tons of rice during Sidr being a case in point. Appreciating her opinion, let me highlight another case in point, that of the issue of Tipaimukh Dam which in tandem with the Farakka Barrage water sharing problems, deserves immediate attention. River waters of Padma are already drying.
"As the foundation is laid, so the walls of the house will rise." Bangladesh and India should follow this old adage given the fact that there is a wave of gratitude and confusions all around them. Leaders, bureaucrats, citizens and media have to work unitedly with positive attitude, and adopt a transparent system for its success.
Freelance Writer with purpose to enhance Citizen awareness.
Author Archives: http://www.kisahkita.com/author/erwin/
http://newsfrombangladesh.net/view.php?hidRecord=334706
In his book, "The Saga of Struggle and Sacrifice" Pranab Mukherjee wrote,"Much had been done by Great Britain for the benefit of India, and the whole country was truly grateful for it. She had given them order, railways and above all the inestimable blessings of Western education. The more progress the people made in education and material prosperity, the greater would be the insight into political matters and the keener their desire for political advancement." Precisely with this view in mind, I expressed my opinion, that determining public opinion and reaching a national consensus are a must before the government signs any agreement with India, (Financial Express, Nov7, 2009). This basic exercise would have generated a debate within the Parliament and the 0pposition( being the next representative component) and obtaining national consensus would have given the Prime Minister more leverage to strongly bargain the" issues " with India.
The visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her entourage to New Delhi, India (January10-13, 2010) was laudable as she was honored with the Indira Gandhi Award for Peace, Disarmament and Development, for 2009. Bangladesh feels proud of this achievement. Success of this visit lies in mutual trust and implementations. However, the visit also has generated controversial opinions causing polarizations and confusions among Citizens detailed herein for readers to judge:
(1) Taj Hashmi writes, (New Age, Jan 23, 2010) "At times rabidly loyal Awami supporters convey the wrong message to the detriment of their country, party and leader. Not only anti-Awami Leaguers consider the party 'pro-Indian' but some immoderate supporters of the party unwittingly also give similar impression about their party. BNP supporters, on the other hand, knowingly or unknowingly, give the impression that they prefer Pakistan to India, if not to Bangladesh.
(2) Professor M.Maniruzzaman Mia writes, (New Age,Feb9,2010) "We have conceded everything that India wanted but we have not managed to receive anything in return except the warmth of India's friendship.0ne wonders whether this friendship is between the peoples of two neighboring countries or between the two parties that have come to power here and in India.
(3) Mahfuz Anam writes (Daily Star,Feb9,2010)"The history of mutual suspicion, petty bickering on trade negotiations, cavalier attitude on border killings, dangerous gamesmanship with arms smuggling, etc of the last three decades of Bangladesh-India relations would not normally justify the agreements that Sheikh Hasina penned two weeks ago. Only a vision would.
(4) Predictably the Bangladesh 0pposition led by Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and supported by Jamaat-e-Islami(JI) have called the agreements a total surrender of Bangladesh's interest to India (Daily Star,Feb9,2010).
As Bangladeshi Citizen, my concern is, (1) whether the visit, actually enhances good friendship and cooperation for economic benefit, and (2) whether adequate measures have been ensured to improve respectability, integrity and security of Bangladesh.
For the benefit of the readers, to understand the economic benefits, let me explain first, the Billion line of credit, offered by India, is not free and 1.7 percent charge is to be made, 5 years grace period and to be repaid back by twenty years (bangladeshinfo.com). Calculation on this basis indicates, at end of 20years, we have to return billion plus interest amount 5, 000000. The principal amount to be used for development of roads, railway tracks, bridges, railway lines, purchases of locomotives and coaches, buses, dredgers for dredgers for river, all this for India to develop its North-East States(earlier this type of credit was not offered). However, clarification is needed on the methods of purchase and whether source of purchase, from this credit is restricted to India or open to competitive purchase from other international countries. The joint communiqué indicates that Nepal, Bhutan, India and its N-east states will use the Ashuganj, Chittagong and Mongla ports but terms and conditions for use of ports, cargo type and its taxation plus customs security procedure are not indicated for analysis. It is imperative that a transparent method be used for its finalization, as Indian Government has its Army stationed in these States to contain the high level of insurgency. The predicaments of both areas, West Bengal and North-East States, are a result of financial disparity and mismanagement by the central Government.
Now on integrity and security of Bangladesh . New Age report dated February07, 2010 "BSF Kills Bangladeshi (a farmer) on Tentulia border. This killing totals 898 unarmed Bangadeshis since January 1, 2000 i.e 89.8 a year. A more gruesome case reported February 05, 2010 "BSF, BDR trade gunshots; BSF kidnaps BDR soldier, returns after 10hours. The soldier was shot at close range without any provocation and at gunpoint kidnapped into India. Instead of responding to a Flag meeting by BDR 0fficials, BSF resorted to firing into Bangladesh territory late evening. This prompted BDR to fire back and guards of both countries exchanged about 100 gunshots. Finally, flag meeting was held and soldier returned.
The above cited incidents are repulsive and such trends are dangerous, therefore requires immediate attention and action from Indian Army Authorities, under supervision of Indian Senior most Politician. "India will not take any step that would hurt Bangladesh", this oft repeated vague jargon should not be accepted by Bangladesh any more particularly, in view of the recently signed three agreements on cross-border terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking. Indians failing to control their armed personnel tantamount to Terrorist act, deplored by the International Community, with which India wishes to become a partner on security affairs of the region. India is fully aware that in normal peace time the internationally accepted rule is to" arrest" only, illegal persons crossing into the territory, intelligence surveillance, and support to immigration and customs 0fficials. Additionally, India has plans to contain insurgents in the North-East States and also the Maoist/Marxist insurgency in West Bengal, declared as "Red Corridor Zone". Myanmar had given a "cold shoulder" attitude in response to India's proposal for cooperation in this exercise.
The five principles, of Non-Aligned Movement and the Gujral Doctrine are known to both Bangladesh and India, and one fails to understand why these are not followed as the basic intentions to enhance Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, between both Countries are there. So, what can India Do? The good intention should be augmented by prompt solutions to pending issues and recent Joint Communiqué. Late J.N.Dixit former Foreign Secretary in his book "Liberation and Beyond", advocated that outstanding issues like the Ganges Water sharing issues, delineation of maritime boundary, transfer of enclaves, offering transit facilities to Bangladesh to trade with Bhutan and Nepal etc be solved soon. He also mentioned that while late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reaffirmed his gratitude to India for supporting the liberation struggle he desired that India-Bangladesh relationship be imbued with a spirit of equality. Late Mujib was clear in his mind that he did not wish to be over-dependent on India. He did not wish that Bangladesh to be clubbed a client State of India, as was being anticipated by many political observers and analysts from different parts of the world. Will Sheikh Hasina follow the visions of her late father?
Ms.Smruti S. Patel, Research Fellow, Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, offers her personal, but valuable opinion. India needs to walk the extra mile and, if necessary, provide unilateral trade concessions already hinted by the finance minister. But any concession or policy announcements must not be allowed to get tangled in bureaucratic red tapes leading to broken promises; India's offer of half a million tons of rice during Sidr being a case in point. Appreciating her opinion, let me highlight another case in point, that of the issue of Tipaimukh Dam which in tandem with the Farakka Barrage water sharing problems, deserves immediate attention. River waters of Padma are already drying.
"As the foundation is laid, so the walls of the house will rise." Bangladesh and India should follow this old adage given the fact that there is a wave of gratitude and confusions all around them. Leaders, bureaucrats, citizens and media have to work unitedly with positive attitude, and adopt a transparent system for its success.
Freelance Writer with purpose to enhance Citizen awareness.
Author Archives: http://www.kisahkita.com/author/erwin/
http://newsfrombangladesh.net/view.php?hidRecord=334706
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