Bimal Pramanik
The people of India and Bangladesh have been witnessing many ups and down in bilateral relations between these two neighbouring countries of South Asia during the last four decades. Foreign policies of newly independent countries have often changed with the regime change—as in the case of Bangladesh. Therefore, no consistent policies were pursued towards India during this period. Only A few issues dominated Indo-Bangladesh talks, such as, water sharing, land border (Enclaves), deficit of trade, from the Bangladesh side, but issues of transit, insurgency, infiltration, smuggling etc.(though vital for India) always received scant importance. Bangladeshi leadership and governments were not at all interested in these issues. But one thing always gets importance in Bangladesh’s political and social arena, i.e. India-baiting politics and propaganda- even in the government level. For that reason, a deficit of trust between these two neighbours always affects their foreign policies. Socio-political circumstances of Bangladesh have been so peculiar that, when any government or leader takes initiative to strengthen relations with India, Opposition parties not only criticize, they also start a disinformation campaign against the government as well as India. Most of the people in the country believe this propaganda against India, because of their Pakistani/Islamic mindset. Consequently, bilateral relations suffer.
After the Awami League-led alliance (Mohajote) came to power in the fag end of 2008, the environment of Indo-Bangladesh relations changed. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, visited India with a lot of hopes and aspirations. Warm welcome of Sheikh Hasina from the Indian side strengthened the foundation of Indo-Bangladesh relations. A lot of expectations were created among the people of two countries about solving the long-standing bilateral issues like enclaves, Teesta water sharing, Transit, boosting bilateral trade, and easy people- to- people relations. But the return visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka in 2011 did not yield much result due to the sudden opting out by Smt Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, from the entourage of Prime Minister. Raising the negative aspects of the Teesta water sharing and enclaves, Mamata Banerjee created an adverse environment in the bilateral negotiations between two friendly governments. Subsequently, the Khagragarh (Burdwan, West Bengal) blast (October, 2014) exposed the link between the lower echelon of the West Bengal’s ruling party and Jamatul Mujahedin Bangladesh (JMB), a terrorist outfit involved in a conspiracy to dethrone the Hasina government. Now the NIA is investigating the case. As a result, the image of Ms Mamata Banerjee was severely tarnished in the eyes of the Bangladeshi people. Apart from that, Bangladeshi media and intelligentsia did not like the dubious role of West Bengal’s Chief Minister. It was unexpected and unthinkable to them. It has created a big jolt in Indo-Bangladesh relations. In spite of that, Mamata’s visit to Dhaka in February 2015 was welcomed by the Bangladeshi intelligentsia and press (both print and electronic). Apparently, they wanted to keep bordering state governments of India in good humor, aiming to achieve better cohesion and understanding between the two friendly neighbours. Mamata Banerjee and her entourage tried to appease Bangladeshi people through an appeal to common cultural traits between two Bengals. She also gave soft assurances from her side to solve the problem of Teesta water sharing. However, it is a foreign policy matter, so assessment of the Central government is important. As a result, confusion still exists because of the contest between her earlier role at the time of Manmohan Singh’s visit and that in the present visit.
Role of Bangladesh during the last general election in India in 2014:
If we look back one year ago to the time of Indian Parliamentary election, the estimates of almost all the Bangladeshi political parties and media were anti-BJP and anti-Modi. They were soft towards the Indian National Congress (INC) and Mamata Benerjee (TMC) who were severely critical of Narendra Modi and the BJP. Bangladeshi media portrayed Narendra Modi as a rioter and killer of a large number of Muslims in Gujarat. It was exactly the echo of propaganda by the INC, Left Front and TMC in Indian politics. Bangladesh never wanted Narendra Modi and BJP to come to power in India, because, the image of BJP was not clear to them. They were all along comfortable with Congress.
Attitude of Bangladesh government in their internal politics:
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared that the government would build model mosques in all districts and upazilas (the number of upazila is more than 500) across Bangladesh to facilitate Islamic education. The prime minister said, “The Islamic Foundation has been directed to materialize the project. The government’s aim is to build modern mosques in every district and upazila in the country. Islamic and cultural education will be provided through these mosques. There will be separate places for women in these mosques.”1 it was a commitment of AL in its election manifesto in the last general election. Apart from that, mosque-based child and mass education programmes under the religious department of the government of Bangladesh are being continued. Establishment of 78 thousand education centres and recruitment of 78 thousands Maolanas/Alem-Ulemas have been continuing in this financial year (2015-2016) also.2 All the governments of Bangladesh have been trying to strengthen Islam officially in the social milieu of Bangladesh, suppressing other religious communities. Conversion of members of other faiths to Islam is generally encouraged in the society. There is a declared budget for converted Muslims also. A clear cultural transformation towards Islamization has been taking place in the society. This recalls an Afghanistan-like situation. A lot of incidents of atrocities on minorities, particularly Hindus, have been published in the newspapers during Sheikh Hasina’s tenures (1996-2001, 2008-2015). In this slough of moderate Islam, the AL led government, slowly but steadily, has been strengthening the very concept of Islamic Bangladesh, ignoring the ideals of liberation war. So, the people in general cannot come out from the clutches of Islamic fundamentalists. Sheikh Hasina campaigned hard against Jamat-e-Islam and war criminals, but not against Islamic fundamentalists/terrorists, who are killing bloggers and modern thinkers. There are many Islamic fundamentalist outfits that are active to Islamize liberal ideas and the Bengali identity. The present government itself is a party to it. Anti-Indian propaganda is still now important in Bangladesh politics. Shahriar Kabir, a veteran Human Rights activist and journalist, opined that, “in a recent judgment Bangladesh High Court repealed the 5th Amendment of the Constitution and has given an order to revive the 1972 Constitution which is also corroborated by the Supreme Court. But saddest part is, Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh has told in a Mohajote (Grand alliance) meeting that ‘Bismillah’ will be retained in the constitution and no embargo will be given on religion based politics and political parties by the government. Even ‘Islam as State Religion’ will also stay. This stand of Prime Minister is nothing but a clear disown/ violation of the Supreme Court verdict and mockery of wishes of 30 lakhs martyrs and spirit of Bangabandhu and liberation war. It is not reflecting the will of the citizens of Bangladesh who have elected Awami League to capture power in 2008”.3 It can be argued that, in the absence of deep rooted liberal democratic practices in the society and politics, these types of developments are easily taking place since independence.
After capturing power, Ziaur Rahman started to incline Bangladesh ideologically towards Pakistan. Steps were taken to Islamize the Constitution by shrugging the ideals of liberation war, and by the rehabilitation of Islamic and pro-Pakistani elements in politics, elimination of pro-liberation officers from the military, distortion of history, Islamization of Bengali culture, and induction of Pakistan oriented Islamic values in education and administration. He did all these to open a door to establish ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’. Many liberal leaders, parties and people supported his 19-point agenda. Some of them became ministers or advisers of equal rank. As a result, Ziaur Rahman could establish a foothold among the intelligentsia and in the society as a whole. Under the cover of Bangladeshi nationalism, the process of introducing Pakistani/Islami trends of thought started flourishing smoothly. In the footsteps of Zia, Ershad accelerated this process further by introducing and enacting a bill in June 1988, declaring Islam as the State Religion (8th Amendment of the Constitution). Ershad made it legal for the fundamentalist Islamic forces to flourish in the soil of Bangladesh without any hindrance. All the parties, including AL, accepted this amendment because the people of Bangladesh were eager to find a new identity. The notion of Bengali identity, which was thrust upon them, gradually had apparently been disappeared, and they rushed towards their real identity. As a result, the growing religious chauvinism in the society attained such a great height that it became difficult for the politicians and the common people to go against it. Consequently, a supposed to be democratic and liberal party like AL has not shrunk from retaining ‘Islam as State Religion’ and ‘Bismillah-ar- Rahman-ar-Rahim’ in the constitution for the purpose of holding the vote bank, and also, remained determined to spread Islam smoothly.
Vote bank politics is a self -destructive game:
Bangladeshi leadership is always interested to know what will happen regarding the security of more than one crore Muslim infiltrators in India. In this context they had openly supported Congress and Mamata Banerjee against the BJP and Narendra Modi at the time of general election in India in 2014. Mamata Banerjee has been playing a clear role to appease Bangladeshi infiltrators, taking a stand against the Central government as well as BJP on this issue, thereby directly serving the Bangladeshi interest. It is a self-destructive game against a vital national interest of India— only for vote bank politics. After the Khagragarh ( Burdwan, West Bengal ) blast, a covert link of infiltrators and Islamic terrorists with the ruling party of West Bengal has been exposed.
Positive phase of Indo-Bangladesh relation:
A lot of positive domestic factors of both the countries helped to build the strong base of bilateral relations during 2009—2014. In Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina received a huge mandate in 2008/2009, and in India UPA—II also got a huge majority in 2009, but was largely dependent on coalition partners. So, both the old friends got the opportunity to come close. During 2009—2014 positive developments were witnessed in bilateral relations. Though a lot of internal problems in both the countries overshadowed this positive development to a certain extent, and a number of disputes remained unsolved. During this period, India under the leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh saw the importance of Bangladesh from political and economic points of view and through the prism of regionalism, because it appeared as a vehicle to develop better linkages between South Asian countries and New Delhi. Bangladesh occupied the special position in this scheme. Sheikh Hasina was also eager to further the improvement of bilateral ties in this period.
Both the countries emphasized economic relations during this period. The first trade agreement between these two countries was signed in 1972, which has been renewed up to 31st March, 2012. India stressed economic measures as a tool to maintain a good, friendly and cooperative relationship with Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh signed the Business Investment Promotion Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in 2010. These two agreements will improve increase reciprocal investment by the two countries. Trade and economic ties are dependent on transit and greater connectivity. But internal political compulsions of both the countries have often overshadowed a search for comprehensive connectivity, which can contribute to ever growing economic transactions. Apart from transit and other issues like illegal trade, illegal migration [infiltration], preferential trade, etc. were not solved during this period, which obviously hampered bilateral relationship, particularly on the economic front.
Greater connectivity and transit facilities between India and Bangladesh are necessary not only for the economic development of Bangladesh and of India’s eastern and north-eastern states, but also for suppression of radical political activities in both sides of bordering districts. The Geographical location and proximity created many stumbling blocks in bilateral relations in previous regimes. A lot of anti-Indian radical groups flourished, especially in border areas. But geographical location and proximity can also be used for better connections and economic engagements which can facilitate the large-scale development of cooperation between Bangladesh and India’s north-eastern states. There are large opportunities lying in this sub- region. Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Tripura naturally opened up these possibilities.
The longstanding problem of land borders and enclaves is now solved. India is firmly approaching the Teesta water sharing issue. We also hope, the Teesta problem may be solved within a short time. There is no other burning issue from the Bangladesh side. But in Bangladesh, the chronic disease of anti-India propaganda is generated by the Opposition parties in connivance with Islamic fundamentalists, whenever possible. The visit of India’s Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, to the border areas of west Bengal [30 March,2015] strengthened the hope of solving some of the India-Bangladesh border issues in the immediate future.
The Indo-Bangladesh relations in recent times were largely determined by two issues, i.e. Teesta and land border. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a bold step to ease off the conflicting issues with the neighbouring countries after assuming power. Indian Foreign Minister Smt. Susama Swaraj visited Bangladesh before Prime Minister’s visit and discussed relevant issues with her counterpart and the government of Bangladesh. Now the two governments are approaching about to achieve a peaceful solution of longstanding bilateral issues. But chronic internal political problems and social unrest in Bangladesh are not so conducive to sustaining a good neighbourly relation between these two friendly countries. Trade and economic cooperation are seriously hindered by acute social disturbances and unrest unleashed by the present Opposition parties.
A new positive phase of India Bangladesh relations under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina:
New symptoms of India-Bangladesh amity are emerging fast. Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is a great visionary, He is bent upon creating a regional economic and development zone in the South Asian Countries. This aim will get an impetus from improvements in Indo-Bangladesh economic relations. Now trade, investment and transport networks are receiving a priority in Bangladesh. Emphasis is given on rail, road and water networks between India and Bangladesh. To curb border smuggling, a significant number of border haats has already been established and more are on the pipeline. These border trade centers are creating local employment and may reduce smuggling trends. The Home Minister of India has decided upon a restriction of cattle smuggling to Bangladesh to minimize border crimes and to keep a peaceful border. Statements of the Home Minister will immensely activize security forces for the promotion of national interest. Controls/restrictions on cattle smuggling are a primary condition to maintain a tension- free border. Completion of barbed wire fencing is also necessary. Both the governments know that there are many vested interests active in both the countries to continue cattle smuggling. It never helped in maintaining a balanced bilateral trade. India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan have already signed an agreement on hassle-free transport network in this sub region for boosting trade and tourism. ‘The present phase of Indo-Bangladesh relation is at an all time high’4 opined Shri Pankaj Saran, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh. AL-led alliance is interested in keeping good relations with India. It reflects the sound judgment of the thinking people in Bangladesh, which will also generate a fruitful option for the people in this sub-region to promote a development agenda and multilateral cooperation, especially in the field of energy, trade and investment. In the coming days, we are expecting a peaceful environment of regional development and good relations among the SAARC countries.
Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit boosting bilateral ties with Bangladesh:
On June 6-7, 2015, the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Bangladesh. During this visit, the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh recalled the shared bonds of history, tradition, aspirations and a multitude of other commonalities between the two countries, as also reiterated their firm conviction to further strengthen the bilateral relations. They recognized that the destinies of the peoples of the two countries were interlinked in their quest for peace, development and stability. The two Prime Ministers also noted that India and Bangladesh entered a new phase in bilateral relations with a pragmatic, mature and practical approach based on sovereignty, equality, friendship, trust and understanding for the mutual benefit of their peoples and collective prosperity of the region.
The two Prime Ministers recalled the “Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development” of 2011 that outlines the shared vision for an enduring and long-term cooperation and commitment to achieve closer ties through economic integration and better connectivity. They stressed taking stock of subsequent achievements and charting ways for future cooperation.
The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the unparalleled level of cooperation between the two countries on security-related issues, and reaffirmed their unequivocal and uncompromising position against extremism and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, as well as their commitment to cooperate with each other by sharing information about groups and persons indulging in terrorism. They reiterated their commitment that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activity inimical to the other. Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s appreciation for the cooperation extended by Bangladesh in security- related matters. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the MOUs on Prevention of Smuggling of Fake Currency Notes, Cooperation between Coast Guards and Prevention of Human Trafficking, all of which will augment security cooperation as a whole.
They stressed the need for effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) for better border management so as to prevent cross border criminal activities, including irregular movements of people, which to incidents of violence and tragic loss of lives.
Both the Prime Ministers expressed deep satisfaction at the level of cooperation and achievements in the power sector between the two countries and agreed to widen the cooperation further.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the renewal of the bilateral Trade Agreement with the new trade facilitation provisions which would not only further widen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation in a balanced and sustainable manner to mutual benefit but also open up opportunities for regional trade. Both sides underscored the need to narrow the trade imbalance.
Both the Prime Ministers stressed the urgent need for up-gradation of infrastructure of the Land Customs Stations (LCSs)/Land Ports/Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in a coordinated manner.
The two Prime Ministers noted with appreciation the positive experience gained from the functioning of the Border Haats and stressed the need to open more border haats at mutually agreed locations.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance and need to increase Indian investment in Bangladesh and underscored the role of the private sector in this regard. He welcomed the decision of Bangladesh to allocate land for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for India. Mongla and Bheramara were identified as possible locations.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Coastal Shipping Agreement, which would open up newer avenues of cooperation in the areas of bilateral and regional trade and connectivity.
Both Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of seamless, multi-modal connectivity to ensure regional economic development and people-to-people contacts. They noted that roadways, railways and waterways were the building blocks for an inter-dependent and mutually beneficial relationship among the countries of the region.
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the commencement of Dhaka-Shillong-Guwahati and Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala Bus services. The Indian Prime Minister also conveyed that the new bus services on Khulna-Kolkata and Jessore-Kolkata routes, as proposed by Bangladesh, may be operationalized after completion of consultations by both sides.
Prime Minister Modi agreed to consider Bangladesh’s proposal to introduce the 2nd Maitree Express between Khulna and Kolkata. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction about the ongoing cooperation in the railways sector including the Akhaura-Agartala railway link and revival of the old railway links.
Prime Minister Modi announced a second Line of Credit worth US$ 2 billion for Bangladesh for undertaking various development projects. The Line of Credit is to be utilized, inter alia, for developmental projects particularly in the area of public transport, roads, railways, inland waterways, ports, ICT, education, health, etc.
Both Prime Ministers agreed that the advantages of sub-regional cooperation in the power sector, water resources, trade, transit and connectivity should be harnessed to mutual benefit. In this context, both Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the progress made by the Joint Working Groups on Sub-Regional Cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower and on Connectivity and Transit. They are also considering ways and means of improving trade facilitation at land border stations so as to enhance sub-regional connectivity and cooperation.
The two Prime Ministers recognized the need to exploit the synergies between the two countries for expanding the relationship to newer areas. They expressed satisfaction at bilateral cooperation in new areas including nuclear science and technology, space, health, jute and textiles, renewable energy, fisheries, meteorological, and other areas related to development. Prime Minister Modi invited more researchers and scientists from Bangladesh to undergo training and exposure in various Indian scientific institutions, particularly in the areas of biotechnology and oceanography, which are identified as priority areas by Bangladesh.
Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen regional cooperation to maximize the mutuality of interests and to ensure an equitable share of mutual benefits in all areas, including trade, transport and energy. They recognized the importance of various regional/sub-regional cooperative/collaborative initiatives to improve the lives and livelihoods of all the people across the two countries.5
References:
- 22 Mar 2015, NTV Online, Dhaka.
- Amader Samay,12.05.2015, Dhaka (Online version)
- ‘Irreversible Changes in Bangladesh’, an article by Bimal Pramanik, Eternal India, November 2010, New Delhi.
- Janakantha, a Bangla daily newspaper from Dhaka, 22 October, 2014
- ‘Bangladesh-India Joint declaration’, Daily Star, Dhaka, 7th June, 2015.
(Published in World Focus, August 2015, New Delhi, India.)