India is our neighbouring country and a time-tested friend from the very beginning of our independence. India helped many times and in many ways in our liberation war period from 26th March to 16th December, 1971 and aftermath. Bangladesh was part of the then Indo-Pak sub-continent for hundreds of years and has identical characteristics of socio-economic, political and cultural affairs in many ways. Bangladesh and India has same foreign policy to peace with neighbouring countries: “friends of all and foes to none.” They are common members of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), BIMSTEC (the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), IORA (the Indian Ocean Rim Association) and the Commonwealth. The two countries share many social and cultural ties. In particular, Bangladesh and the East Indian state of West Bengal are Bengali-speaking. Bangladesh has settled with India the maritime boundary solution in 2014 through international tribunal for the laws of the seas, land boundary demarcation under Indira-Mujib pact-1974, erstwhile enclaves problems solution, peacefully.

Sheikh Hasina’s forthcoming visit to India in the 1st week of October/2019 bears a significant meaning about our bilateral socio-economic, cultural development and co-operation between the two countries. The two prime ministers (of India and Bangladesh) will discuss and review many bilateral and longstanding issues between the two sides. India is now rising and the largest economy in the sub-continent and a good player in the world’s economic and political arena. It is the plus point for us also. Our prime minister’s recent visit will cover many bilateral issues with Bangladesh like river’s water sharing treaty specially the Teesta water-sharing, National Register of Citizen (NRC) in Assam, Border killings, Rohingya refugees repatriation issues, terrorism and radicalization of youth and work closely to tackle terror and terror groups, up-coming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, forthcoming attendance in the United Nation General Assembly and bilateral economic and political co-operation with other neighbouring countries.

It is the 1st visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India after assuming power winning in the election of 2018. It will be the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi (Indian Prime Minister) started his second consecutive term in June this year. It is a most important visit for both sides for deepening and expanding economic and political development. Bangladesh wants to formulate and align a pragmatic policy with India which will benefit the two countries with win-win situation.

We want more cooperation in trade and investment, tax relaxation in export-imports, easy access of our products and services to India, stopping border killings, border security and border developments, stopping smugglings and black-marketing of goods, any border dispute settlement with peaceful and rational manners, zero tolerance on terror and terror financings, more trade for balancing debt and balance of payments, etc. India can help Bangladesh about Rohingya refugee repatriation issues with Myanmar because India is capable of influencing Myanmar for their good relationship and capacity.

India can give strong pressure on them on humanitarian ground. The inhuman activities taken by Myanmar army, i.e. killing, slaughtering, torturing, raping, setting fire to their habitats at the Rakhine province for ethnic cleaning are denounced by the international community. These activities can destabilize the region also and can disrupt and affect the South Asian economy. Rohingya refugees issue is a great burden on Bangladesh for its security, stability, economic pressure like food supply, shelter and habitations, effects on ecosystems, bio-diversity, national identity and repatriations, medical treatments and regional peace.

Bangladesh also wants Indian helps for more investment in mega-projects like Padma Bridge, power sectors, deep sea ports, rail-ways development, roads and highways communications, health, pharmaceuticals sectors, aviation, information and communication technology (ICT), blue economy, etc. Bangladesh also can discuss about export-import, sending business delegation from both sides, etc. Potentials of cooperation in investments, economic developments which exists now and in the future can be discussed for the sake of more development of the two nations.

Our policy makers, top leaders can set frameworks and homeworks for identifying possible dialogue, talks about our feasible mutual cooperation, benefits and wellbeing. Furthermore, Sheikh Hasina recently has also been awarded with the prestigious ‘Dr. Kalam Smriti International Excellence Awards-2019’ introduced in memory of eminent scientist and former Indian president, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. It is the honour and recognition of Indian people to the leadership of Sheikh Hasina and love of Bangladeshi people. We hope the tour will bring positive outcome for Bangladesh and win-win situation for both the countries.

The writer specialises on development and economic issues,

and can be reached at: E-mail: [email protected]