We must essentially
have a united or consensual policy in response to India. The major political parties in Bangladesh must come to an understanding about what that policy will be so that there can be continuity of
it regardless of changes
in governance
Formulating policies vis-�-vis India
Many Bangladeshis overlook the fact that the reason for Indias huge advantage in its bilateral trade with Bangladesh stems from the superior abilities of its producers. Even where the items to be produced in the two countries are complementary, the Indian producers seem to be more efficient and can market their produce at notably cheaper prices with equal quality in relation to Bangladeshi products. Thus, it is no wonder that Indian goods find ready access to Bangladeshi markets and the trade gap for us grows.
But there is also another way of looking at it. India has become Bangladeshs single biggest source for meetings its import requirements for various merchandise. One reason is proximity or freighting costs from India are cheaper or more competitive than from other countries for Bangladesh. So, there is a gainful aspect in this for Bangladesh even though India enjoys a huge upper hand in the bilateral trade. But to a large extent this is a natural relationship between a superior producer and exporter in relation with a significantly weaker party in these matters.
It is supremely important for Bangladesh to realize that notwithstanding both countries needing each other, the onus is more on Bangladesh to have correct relations with India. India not only surrounds us on all three sides, it is overwhelmingly powerful in all respects. The lifeline of our economy, the river systems, all flow into Bangladesh through India. Thus, India has a mighty geographic advantage over us and we hardly have a similar or matching leverage to face up to India.
Some may say that Bangladesh has the transit factor to bargain with India. But this is only one area where Bangladesh has a geographical or locational advantage whereas in all other geographical senses, India breathes down Bangladeshs neck or dominates. India is among the first four countries of the world in terms of military power. Bangladesh is inconsequential by comparison.
Thus, we just cannot have our way with India through keeping alive discords or a confrontational stand. Governments will come and go in Bangladesh. But we must essentially have a united or consensual policy in response to India. The major political parties in Bangladesh must come to an understanding about what that policy will be so that there can be continuity of it regardless of changes in governance.
