Bangladesh’s Relationship With India and China

 

There are several centres of civilization across the world. Through these civilizations modern states had been developed in different regions of the world. China is one of the centres of civilization and now developed into a modern state having strong base on technology and science, but authoritarian rule based on one party. On the other hand India is a strong centre of civilization, largest democratic country in the world being one of the leading countries in science and technology. Knowledge and science had been developed here thousands of years ago and reached at the top of the world in Maurya-Gupta period. That is why Nalanda University was the first university that was established in fifth century (493 CE). Later in 970 CE, The Al-Azhar University was established in Cairo, Egypt and The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 CE in Bologna, Italy.

We know from history, Maurya-Gupta ruled India from 4th century BCE to 7th century CE. At that time India was at the top at knowledge, science and military power in the world. It is mentionable that Chandragupta defeated renowned world hero Alexander. At that period people from different countries including China came to India to acquire knowledge.

Buddhism was adopted in China during the first century under the leadership of Emperor Ming of Han. Later on there were interruption and invasion from outside. Afterwards in 1637 Emperor Hong Taiji’s Qing dynasty became the legitimate rulers of China under the influence of Buddhism and continued upto 1910.

Civilizations are always interacting with one another. Human civilizations have become richer and more colourful through exchanges and mutual learning. No wonder India sent representatives to China’s first-ever Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) took place on 15 May 2019 in Beijing, which is aimed to reinforce regional cooperation and provide a platform for learning, exchanges and mutual understanding among different Asian civilizations, cultures and beyond.

India has had a long history of civilization, from the ancient to modern times. The land is the birthplace of two major religions in the world – Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhist influence is one of many exchanges between the ancient cultures. In a long history, India has huge impacts on reshaping the civilizations of China as well as other Asian countries, including economic power Japan mainly because of Buddhism.

We know from 7th to 12th century CE Arab-Persia was at the top in knowledge and science. From 12th century CE onwards Europe-America are at the top and leading the world in knowledge and science, especially in fundamental research. Nobel laureate Professor Abdus Salam mentioned these in his speech and writing. He also said that science-technology is controlling the world.

There were large scale interactions among people in the Indian subcontinent during Maurya-Gupta, Mughal and British rule. First road connectivity had been developed from Banga to Peshawar by Maurya Emperor Chandragupta. Emperor Ashoka went to different places of the subcontinent and established Srinagar of Kashmir. He went to Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini in Nepal and Tibet also. Grand Trunk road had been started by Sher Shah Suri and later on developed by the Mughals.

Emperor Akbar included different regions under his rule and established Sube Bangla also. Our language and culture had started developing from Emperor Ashoka. It is mentionable that most of the languages of the subcontinent are indo-arian origin. At the same time separate identity of Bengal had started from King Shashanka. Later on it was developed by Pal, Sen, Sultans and Nawabs. So we are part and parcel of Indian civilization and at the same time we have separate identity. We fought with unity against British colonial rule and there was large scale interaction among people. It is mentionable that there was a strong railway network across the subcontinent and at that time it had remarkable connectivity.

We fought for independence in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu. We got all-out support from India led by PM Indira Gandhi and the democratic forces of the world also supported our cause to establish nation state based on equality, human dignity and social justice that is reflected in our ‘72 constitution, one of the best constitutions in the world.

Bangladesh’s foreign policy focused on avoiding conflict and confrontation in order to promote stronger cooperation and the combining of resources in favour of every individual. It’s a great honour for the Bangladesh that the famous quote, “Friendship to all, malice towards none” by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been included in the 14th paragraph of the UN resolution called “International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace, 2023.”

Considering historic relation and contribution during liberation war Bangabandhu set up a special relationship with India in all aspects of cooperation, development and security. Bangabandhu also said that we are so close to India because of similarity of basic values. Based on our relations with India Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh-India relation is a role model for the world. PM Narendra Modi also said that we are passing through a golden era.

It may be mentionable that Bangabandhu is a world leader and his historic 7th March speech has been included in UNESCO record. Due to our language movement 21st February has been declared as International Mother Language Day. We know that considering Indian civilization and knowledge in health 21st June has been declared as Yoga Day. Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution is remarkable and his birthday is declared as Non-Violence Day by UNO. So the subcontinent has glorious history and heritage recognized globally. India and Bangladesh share civilization, history, culture, politics and development. On the other hand, China is our development partner.

Bangladesh has been getting cooperation and assistance from international development institutions, India and other democratic countries in the world as well as other development partners since independence. It was among the least developed countries and now emerged as a developing country having significant growth and remarkable development in infrastructure, agriculture, industry, education, health and other sectors under the leadership of PM Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh has surpassed Pakistan in all aspects. We know Pakistan tried to develop itself by forming China-Pakistan economic corridor but failed because China had the intention to put the country in debt trap. Same thing happened with another country in the subcontinent, Sri Lanka. We know once Sri Lanka had been advancing economically and socially in a very significant way. But due to involvement with China with different unviable projects it became trapped with serious economic and political crises. Now with the help of IMF, World Bank, India and other countries they are overcoming the crises.

We also know that Myanmar and North Korea have got involved with China politically, economically and militarily and now going to be ruined with their political systems. Before division, North Korea was in a better position than South Korea. Because South Korea is interacting with the democratic forces and institutions in the world now emerged as one of the developed countries in Asia. Vietnam though had good relation with China earlier is now advancing economically and socially having interactions with the democratic forces in the world. Vietnam is now one of the countries of indo-pacific economic forum.

Bangladesh and India have multifaceted relations and working for peace, development and progress. We have to continue the relation with India in all aspects and relation with China is to be continued for development without being trapped in debt.
 

Dr. N. C. Bhowmik is a
freedom fighter, an academic
scholar and former ambassador.