Terrorism, Transit and Commerce figured in the Indo-Bangla Talks

Terrorism, Transit and Commerce figured in the Indo-Bangla Talks

New Delhi hosted a two days foreign secretary level meeting between India and Bangladesh, two strategically important neighbours, when Indian government was facing the confidence vote over the issue of nuclear deal with the United States originated from the withdrawal of support from the Manomohan government by the Left Front. We do believe both the representatives attended the meeting with every intention to find out the possible solutions to the problems existing between the two unequal neighbours. But the seemingly good intentionally held meeting was marred by one of the chronic issues i.e, border skirmish. Even then, we hope for the best.

Terrorism now stands as a global phenomenon occupying the position next to environment. The South Asian nations are severly affected by it along with other ills. So,
fighting terrorism topped the agenda in the meeting where Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain voiced in the same tone “Terrorism has to be tackled resolutely. We discussed how to meet together.” India has blamed several recent bomb attacks on the Bangladesh based Islamic group Harkat-ul-Jehad –i-Islami. However, Bangladesh has denied any involvement by its citizens. It is obvious that the security of the two South Asian countries is intertwined. India shares 2500mile border with Bangladesh and Indian officials believe that some 20 million Bangladeshis are in India illegally. India and Bangladesh are looking forward to work together against terrorism and today’s meeting has helped build our ‘ trust and understanding’ between the two neighboring states. India must be convinced that Bangladesh never allows let alone encourage terrorism. The rise of terrorism during the last several years in the land of Bangladesh was hastened by some international issues, not by any internal factor. However, the government has dealt with it severely. The execution of the top leaders of the terrorist group amply proves the intention and attitude of the government towards terrorism. Moreover, living with peace and amity with its neighbors signifies the foreign policy of Bangladesh and she attaches utmost importance to further develop the diplomatic ties with India. Definitely, no reason will support the hosting of any terrorist group inside Bangladesh which works against Indian Territory. However, if such germs are discovered by India, Bangladesh will take stern action against it and work together with India to vanish it. This has been reiterated by the Bangladesh foreign secretary.

India is our biggest neigbhour and commercial partner, big friend but sometimes we are also afraid of her as we sleep with big elephant. The occasional border skirmishes, huge commercial gap, water sharing, wire fencing etc create doubts about our relations. But we never forget the staunch support and involvement of India to achieve our freedom though it brought big political gain to India as well. The response to India to our natural calamites and the exchange of cultural and historical ideas, the influx of Bangladeshi students to India and the recently introduced Moitree Express between these two important South Asian neighbors bear testimony to the sign of friendship. The further strengthening of this relation will further benefit these two neighbours. From this understanding emanated this secretary level meeting. “The discussions were very useful and led much greater understanding of each others position” claimed Menon. Bangladesh appealed to India on to share intelligence in order to reduce cross-border terrorism and said it won’t allow its territories to be used for attacks on its western neighbours.“We did not shy away from discussing all issues.” Terrorism is a global problem and we have a mechanism for cooperation. We will continue that” Bangladesh foreign secretary Touhid said. Both the representatives told that they covered the issues related to security, infiltration, terrorism and cross-border crimes. In the midst of their talks and hopes the intrusion of Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) into Bangladesh territory and killing of two Bangladesh Rifles personnel at Chapinawabgonj just gives a bitter experience and an wound which we believe, need to be heeled permanently.

This Hydrabad House meeting also aimed at making Bangladesh agree to give India transit facility. But Bangladesh delegate did not concede to the point. As it is a big national issue, it must be decided by the elected government. Besides, it is related to several other issues. The Secretary General of BNP Khan Dakar Delwar commented regarding the transit issue in this way “ After getting the transit facilities nobody can inspect what they are transporting nor can resist them. They are desperate to have transit facilities for military intervention. Though many people suggest for developing friendly relation with India, Bangladesh had never been treated as a friend by India in the past.” Of course, we have mixed reaction in this regard. India has never seen friendly relation with us cannot be said unilaterally. Though some incidents and issues convince us the doubtful and crucial relations of India with us, we still hope greater positive response from her. Again some also place the argument in this way Why India didn’t allow passage of trucks to and from Nepal through a small Indian corridor? Why the people of Dahagram and Angorpota had to endure daily insult while coming to the mainland or return to their home through a corridor only a few hundred yards long? When India cannot show liberalism , how can she expect the same from her neighbours?


First half of this year Bangladesh witnessed 32 of her unarmed citizens were killed in BSF firing, in the same period 22 other Bangladeshis were injured and another 22 were abducted. This cross border problem must be resolved through discussion. The regular flag meeting and genuine interest to resolve the issue must come from Indian side. If India considers her neighbours weaker and treat them according it goes beyond the real diplomatic norm and philosophy. As a big member of this region, India will have to take the initiative of all the un-resolving issues with her neighbours.

Some positive and hopeful aspects evinced from the meeting. Two diplomats agreed that a committee would be formed to settle water disputes between the two countries. Work on Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) was in an advanced stage of finalization and would be concluded in the near future.Technical Committee on Embankment Protection of Rivers would meet shortly. The BIPA would provide national treatment for foreign investment, most faourved nation treatment for foreign investment and investors, free repatriation or transfer of returns on investments and recourse to domestic disputes resolution and international arbitration for disputes.

The bilateral investment promotion pact, which really took off after India lifted ban on the flow of investment form Bangladeshi citizens and corporate houses in November last year is expected to give a push to investment from both sides, official sources said. The ban on investment from Bangladesh had been imposed for security reason and although it was lifted nine months ago, investment proposals from Bangladesh would still need prior clearance of the foreign Investment Promotion Board even if they are meant for sectors which India has put on the automatic route. Several big Indian companies including the Tatas whose three billion dollar investment proposal for Bangladesh is hanging fire for more than four years and the Essar Steel have evinced keen interest in pulling their money in India’s eastern neighbour .Bangladesh urged India to reduce the huge trade deficit of nearly two billion dollar by allowing greater access of Bangladesh products to the Indian markets. Toudhid emphasized the need for two way trade. He requested expediting the completion of export the remaining five lakh tones of rice to Bangladesh. He also requested his counterpart to consider completely withdrawing restrictions on the export of rice from India. Actually business deal depends on ‘give and take’ policy though it is determined by the necessity of time also. The mutual response will bring positive outcome for both sides.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pinak Ranjan Charraborty while talking to the journalist termed the water sharing issue between these two countries as “an economic issue, not political at all.” If it so, our biggest neigbour and business partner India must understand our pain that we suffer for want of water. Bangladesh foreign secretary said Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor will soon visit Bangladesh. We hope his visit will give momentum to boost our diplomatic ties erasing all burning issues.

Md. Masum Billah
Program Manager: Brac Education Programme, PACE and regularly writes on various national and international issues.
Phone: 9355253(home), 01714-091431 (cell)
Email: mmbillah2000@yahoo.com