Current status of Indo-Bangla relations
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 21:22 - Last Updated Wednesday, 20 July 2011 21:32
Current status of Indo-Bangla relations
Jul 15, 2011
Syed Jamaluddin
The Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna during his recent visit said, among other things,
that cultural relationship between the two countries should be strengthened. But Bangladesh
satellite channel operators do not see the reflection of the Indian good intensions. Indian
satellite TV channels are shown in Bangladesh, but the Indian viewers cannot see the
Bangladeshi channels. It is said that there is no restriction on Bangladesh channels in India. But
this is not seen in practice.
Many initiatives were taken from the Bangladesh side for viewing of Bangladesh programmes in
India, but without success. The Information Minister, Abul Kalam Azad, said in parliament that
the matter was under process. West Bengal cable operators are reportedly asking for charges
for viewing of Bangladeshi channels. Our channels are shown in USA and Europe, but we have
not been able to succeed with our neighbours.
Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina during her visit to India had requested the Indian Prime Minister,
Dr Manmohan Singh, to construct a flyover over the Tin Bigha corridor. According to a press
report Tin Bigha corridor may be opened for 24 hours very soon. If this report is correct, then
there will be no need to build a flyover. There are 111 Indian enclaves in the districts of
Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari and Panchagar as against 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in the
district of Cooch Behar of India. The problems of enclaves are likely to come up for discussion
during the upcoming visit of the Indian prime minister. We are hoping for a solution of this long
pending problem. In an agreement signed on May 16 in 1974 Berubari was handed over to
India. The Indian parliament never approved the agreement; as a result Bangladesh did not get
the possession of Tin Bigha.
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Current status of Indo-Bangla relations
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 21:22 - Last Updated Wednesday, 20 July 2011 21:32
A move is on to import Indian films, which has been resisted by all concerned in the film
industry. However, this may not be able to block the import of Indian films, but it should be
ensured that our films find their way to the other side of the border. Books and magazines
published in West Bengal are available in plenty in Bangladesh, but our books and magazines
are hardly procured by the Indians.
The agreement regarding entry of Bhutanese goods truck is not adequate, as the agreement
was signed in the absence of Bhutan. The Bhutanese trucks with goods can only enter two
hundred meters of Bangladesh territory. Bhutanese trucks should also be allowed to travel to
Dhaka and Chittagong for loading and unloading purposes. Indian vehicles can go from one end
to another end of Bangladesh. Transit facilities to Nepal and Bhutan should be worked out
properly along with negotiation of transit to India.
India has not taken any initiative to reduce trade imbalance between the two countries. Our
goods cannot enter the Indian market for many tariff and non-tariff barriers. This problem was
not discussed during the visit of the Indian foreign minister. It is not known whether such issues
will be discussed at the time of the visit of the Indian premier.
It is learnt that secretaries of the two countries have drafted an agreement on water sharing, but
details are not known to us. It is apprehended that the Teesta agreement may be imposed on
Bangladesh like the Farakka agreement. We may get another water agreement, but the
equitable share of water may not be possible. We must remain vigilant.
The Indian government is going ahead with its proposed 1,500mw Tipaimukh hydro-power
project in Manipur despite objections from non-governmental organisations in India and
opposition parties in Bangladesh. The project would be commissioned despite opposition within
the country and outside. The project located on the river Barak in Western Manipur is under
attack from opposition parties and environmental groups in Bangladesh, they say it could cause
desertification in Bangladesh. Chairperson of BNP had sent a letter to the prime minister of
India to stop construction at the project site and the Indian prime minister had assured that India
would not take any step on the Tipaimukh project that would adversely impact Bangladesh.
India has given loan to Bangladesh in hard terms to build infrastructures for smooth operation of
transit facilities although this money should have come as grant because the fund will be utilised
for the benefit of India. It is difficult to justify borrowing money to promote the interest of another
country. It seems our negotiators have failed to protect our own interest.
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Current status of Indo-Bangla relations
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 21:22 - Last Updated Wednesday, 20 July 2011 21:32
In the past India did not win any business in the power sector in Bangladesh through the
tendering process. But now they have been given to build a 2,600mw power plant without
tender. This will enable India to establish their presence in the power sector. Bangladesh has
provided transit to India through Ashuganj for movement of oversized equipment for power
project without charging any fee.
India has a poor track record in meeting her commitments with Bangladesh. We have to see
how much the Indian political establishment has been able to wriggle out of the clutches of
Indian bureaucracy. People’s confidence and trust will have to be won for removal of any
misgivings. The Krishna visit should be seen as a good preparation for the forthcoming talks
between the Indian and Bangladesh heads of government. The deals that have been reached
and those yet to come will acquire meaning through Delhi-Dhaka recognising the principle of
mutual respect.
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