Meetings Between the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India: An Analysis

 

Indian Prime Minister and his Bangladesh counterpart had hour long meetings or little above that timings at the former’s posh apartment at Race Course Road, New Delhi.  During the evening hours of September 8, 2023. The meetings stand extremely significant as after this, both nations will be gearing up for respective parliamentary elections during January 2024 and May 2024 respectively. Next day being the beginning of G-20 Summit at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. When my readers get the chance to read it. Then couple of days might elapse from G-20 Summit. In the midst of G-20 Summit, there is every possibility for Sheikh Hasina Wazed to meet honourable US President Joe Bidden. The meeting with US President is also quite significant as because Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a noble objective to put diplomatic stress and strain upon US not to interfere in Bangladesh elections. This is because if US officials continue to visit Bangladesh frequently. That is also not a positive indication for India too. It is for quite a long time US has the habit to poke on the internal matters of Bangladesh. If Bangladesh achieves complete stability, then that will no doubt be a bonus point for India too. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi despite touching global icon from close quarters. It is equally beneficial for both nations.

 After all both nations are on the verge of holding parliamentary elections soon. It is expected that the citizens of both nations should cherish peaceful elections. Like common citizens of India, common citizens of Bangladesh are always peace loving. Citizens of both nations prefer to have bilateral exchanges in multiple fields like, scientific collaborations, business, trade and economic connectivity between two closer and cordial South Asian nations. Also cultural, corporate and business exchanges are always given top priorities as per bilateral relations goes by between the two nations. Thus in the subsequent paragraph it is my earnest responsibilities to analyse deeply September 8, 2023 meetings during the evening hours between Indian Prime Minister and Bangladesh Prime Minister.

September 8, 2023 meetings between the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh took place in such a moment of time when the two nations are in the midst of respective parliamentary elections. Also global situations are in the midst of tumultuous atmosphere. This has cast indelible impact upon the citizens of both nations.

Relationship between India and Bangladesh have been proved to be a historic one. Though the nations are politically bifurcated but from social, economic, geographical, cultural and historical aspects, everything is identical. Both nations are willing to carry on diverse tasks of common importance together. As per South Asian Sub-Continent is concerned, both India and Bangladesh plays pivotal roles in pursuit of restoring peace and tranquillity across the Sub-Continent. Discussions which took place at the official residence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been most cordial, constructive and substantial. The said discussions have been rated as one of the most unique phenomenon in recent times. However instead of dithering more on the issues, let me touch upon the salient points between the discussions. Among the South Asian nations, Bangladesh is the only nation to have been invited to the Summit.

Now the common points which was covered between the two Prime Ministers are stated as such, upcoming national elections in two nations, expansion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields of activities, restoration of peace and stability within South Asian Sub-Continent, border areas adjoining districts of West Bengal should be devoid of any violence, arresting terrorism under deep restraint, expansion of bilateral trade, commerce and economic activities between two nations, opening up of Padma River Multipurpose Bridge should be properly and fully utilised by two nations, proper emphasise upon road connectivity etc.

Bangladesh is no doubt a true friend of India. As she is a true friend of neighbouring India. The law enforcing agencies of that nation are playing prolific roles in perspective to maintaining peace and tranquillity across the border areas of West Bengal and also some parts of Assam and North Eastern states of India. The honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed played dynamic roles during the tumultuous period of terrorism ten to fifteen years back. I distinctly remember the way she nabbed the miscreants of Khagragarh bomb blast during the Durga Puja celebrations ten to fifteen years back.

Apart from the above issues, the Teesta River sharing issue is one of the most common concern for Bangladesh. This issue has been persisting during the past five to six years. Every time there are dialogues between two sides, but no result so far yielded. However as Bangladesh is progressing like a bullet from multifarious areas, hence the entire globe has centred upon profound interest towards the above South Asian nation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed utmost satisfaction about his talks with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed. As par the views of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the past ten years or so, the relationship between India and Bangladesh has reached to skyrocketing levels. As Sheikh Hasina Wazed visited India for dual purposes. One meeting Modi personally at his official residence and to attend 18th G-20 Summit. It is all our sincerest belief that visit will further enhance bilateral cooperation between two nations.

Also it is cherished dearly all our vices about two nations should be eradicated fast. Thereby relations between India and Bangladesh will further strengthen in the upcoming days of our life. I think that both nations should follow the path of Veni, Vidi and Vici. The actual reality has to be looked into by political analysts of two nations. There are many common issues, not yet settled. It will drag on some more time, which is totally on the basis of my perception.

Summing up my above discourses, one point becomes crystal clear in our mind. That in the upcoming respective national elections should be fully participatory in two nations. It should be devoid of overseas interference. Otherwise peaceful elections cannot be conducted. At present it is not possible for the political analysts of two nations to predict about the outcome. In this regard, citizens of both nations will be the deciding factors whom to elect and whom to be thrown out.


Sujayendra Das is a columnist
based in Kolkata, India.