India-Bangladesh Ties: The centre-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday cruised to power after sweeping the landmark parliamentary election in the South Asian country. Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is set to lead the nation. Now, all eyes are on India-Bangladesh relations, which suffered a lot under the Muhammad Yunus government.
Positive Beginning At The Dawn Of The New Regime
As the results of the Bangladesh elections made it clear that Rahman will steer the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday displayed the warmth that Dhaka-New Delhi ties generally share. PM Modi spoke to Rahman on his party's victory, extending India's continued commitment to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of both countries.
"Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections. I conveyed my best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India's continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," PM Modi wrote on X.
Why Elections Were Significant For India As Well?
The elections assumed significance as they were held after a period of tumultuous political vacuum, instability and fragile security situation, including widespread attacks on minorities after the student-led protests brought down the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Aftermath, India-Bangladesh ties saw unprecedented law under the caretaker government.
According to media reports, the BNP has bagged more than 151 seats in the 300-seat parliament and is likely to win more seats. The Jamaat-e-Islami, a hardline party known to be close to Islamabad, was heading or winning in around 75 seats.
During the BNP government led by Zia (1991-1996 and 2001-2006), relations with India were often complex; nevertheless, there were some significant positive high points, when Zia attempted to improve relations with India, which played a key role in the Independence of her nation.
Here Are Five Key Highlights Which May Guide Rahman To Mend The Ties With New Delhi:
- Tin Bhiga Agreement: Zia toured India in 1992, aiming to improve ties between the two neighbours. She met Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and signed a crucial agreement on the Tin Bhiga Corridor, under which India leased Tin Bhiga, allowing Bangladeshi people and their vehicles to pass through Indian territory. This was a major move in the direction of people-to-people connections.
- Economic Engagement: Zia, despite domestic political compulsions, did not allow economic engagement between Dhaka and New Delhi to halt. She pushed several initiatives to grow trade to boost the economy in the border region. A significant trade deal was signed in 1992, which was later revised during her visit in 2006.
- Zia' India Visit 2006: In March 2006, Zia visited Delhi at the invitation of Manmohan Singh. During her visit, she reached agreements on several agendas, including water sharing, border management, trade, security, and drug smuggling issue. She advanced the diplomatic engagement, focusing on mutual benefit during her second tenure.
- Ganga Water Sharing: Zia was one of the first Bangladesh leaders, who took the Ganga Water Sharing issue forward. During her visit to India in 1992, she discussed the framework of dialogue to resolve the long-standing issue. She laid the foundation for further discussion on the dispute. Although the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed during the Sheikh Hasina government, Zia's contribution cannot be ignored.
- Participation in SAARC: Zia continued to engage with SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries to ensure stability and economic growth in the South Asian region. She used the SAARC summits as a platform to deepen Bangladesh's partnership with India. She hosted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to Dhaka in 2005, engaging in dialogue to solve standing issues.