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lntroduction :
It seems Bangladesh may take a significant step to suspend its trade relations with India. Two key Bangladeshi diplomatic officials, Sikar Muhammad Ashrafur Rahman and Arif Muhammad, are set to return to their posts in Kolkata and Agartala after being withdrawn to Dhaka in December.
Full – Newes :
Now their departure has led to a series of security incidents. There have been some attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. Tensions have been rising between India and Bangladesh for weeks.
These posts are being manned by skeleton staff and now sources indicate that the situation may improve from here. Both sides have repeatedly stressed the importance of bilateral trust. How to move forward has been discussed and of course remains a contentious issue. There are also the presence of Sikhs in India and the treatment of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
But beyond these two complex issues, New Delhi and Taka are engaged in diplomatic dialogue. Efforts are being made to see how these issues can be resolved and the relationship can be taken forward. Some Indian diplomats question whether this is really Thor or just a temporary calamity?
The return of these diplomats, who were closely associated with the previous Bangladeshi government, could indicate that the interim government in Bangladesh is seeking to reassert its influence.
Perhaps it will pave the way for a new chapter in India-Bangladesh relations or set the stage for a deeper divide. Okay, let’s, uh, my guest this evening is Dr. Ashur Rahman, who is a Bangladeshi economist, professor at the Policy Research Institute and ambassador, joining me from Delhi.
Good evening. Gentlemen, thank you very much for speaking to me on a subject that I think is important because you know we have spent a lot of time talking about how the situation is not improving, but today we are talking about a subject that I think indicates that there is some opportunity to discuss how the situation is improving and that is exactly what I want to ask you.
Dr. Rant, although there are enough and more problems and rifts between India and Bangladesh, do you think that this movement, the fact that some diplomats are returning to missions and high commissions in India, is sending a message towards normality, uh, thank you, uh, thank you for having me.
I’ve always said, you’re my firm believer in India, Bangladesh relations, uh, we have a multi-dimensional relationship, our trade is over $16 billion.
I don’t see any rational foreign policy to create a long-term conflict with India, so I think that what happened in the first few months is coming back to normal and it should come back, we’ll have our differences, we’ll have our issues of agreement and that’s what it should be, good friends, uh, dealing with each other, so I’m not surprised, I didn’t feel and we talked.
I don’t think I ever felt in August that whatever happens, um, this is a permanent thing. I think there are some issues where there may be serious disagreements on both sides, perhaps reasonably, but I don’t see a future where India and Bangladesh will not cooperate, because of how integrated we are in geography, history, trade and economics, so I see that good days are coming, I hope good days are coming and if we adopt a sensible foreign policy, engagement cooperation is the only way forward, let’s also discuss it with Ambassador Goyal that there are some positive notes that we are discussing today.
A lot of time has been spent on the growing conflict between India and Bangladesh but this looks like a positive step Ambassador, how do you read it? Uh, two things I think first of all, what Dr. Haman said is very reasonable.
It is very strong in terms of the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh. Uh, let’s accept it like this. Uh, India and Bangladesh are two important neighbours and neighbouring countries that have to deal with each other.
They may have areas of disagreement, they may be friends, they may be very good friends, they may have differences, but they have to deal with each other. What I would actually describe as, uh In the coming months and years, and denying that importance will be detrimental to both countries, I hope.
Frequently Asked Questions ?
What prompted the return of Bangladeshi diplomats to India?
The return follows a period of heightened tensions and is seen as a move to restore diplomatic relations.
How significant are the economic ties between Bangladesh and India?
Trade between the two nations exceeds $16 billion, showcasing a strong interdependence.
What are the key issues affecting India-Bangladesh relations?
Contentious issues include the presence of Sheikh Hasina in India and the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Conclusion :
In conclusion, the recent diplomatic developments indicate a potential shift towards improved relations between Bangladesh and India. While challenges remain, the emphasis on cooperation and trust could pave the way for a more fruitful partnership in the future.