Rokan's Journal

Introduction:

The relationship between India and Bangladesh, rooted in the shared history of the 1971 Liberation War, has evolved over the decades. Initially marked by mutual support and collaboration, the bond has gradually become more complex, influenced by political, economic, and cultural factors. This article delves into the historical context, the challenges faced by Bangladesh in its relationship with India, and the potential paths forward for fostering a relationship based on mutual respect.

Fake Romance of Indira Gandhi

In December 1971, Indira Gandhi sent Indian troops to fight against the Pakistani Army in support of Bangladesh’s War of Independence. This intervention brought the war to a conclusion in just nine brief days, ending a nine-month-long campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing that had killed countless people and left thousands homeless. Therefore, on the eve of independence, it seemed that this would result in a great love affair between Bangladesh and India. This romance was further influenced by our geographical arrangement: India surrounds Bangladesh on three sides, like a mighty wolf guarding a border. However, in the decades following Bangladesh’s independence, it became clear to the people of Bangladesh that Indira Gandhi had hidden a serpent under her armpit while courting Sheikh Mujib.

Objectionable activities of Indian Forces

Trouble began almost immediately. After intervening in the war, the actions of the Indian Army were objectionable. They came as friends but tried to assume the role of masters. They behaved like victorious soldiers. Pakistan did not surrender to Bangladesh—rather, the agreement signed on December 16, 1971, was between an Indian General and a Pakistani General. Suddenly, the credit and success of the freedom struggle that Bangladesh’s freedom fighters had carried out began to fade, with the Indian soldiers taking credit for the victory. The freedom fighters, who had liberated the country through immense hardship with limited weapons, were forced to surrender their arms to the Indian soldiers instead of making the Pakistani Army surrender to them. Furthermore, before leaving the newly liberated Bangladesh, the Indian forces took away weapons, various valuables, and even hospital mattresses. As the newly independent head of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujib became entangled in India’s web of secret agreements, effectively enslaving the country to Indian influence.

Broken Promises

Relations between India and Bangladesh soon expanded further. In 1975, the Indian government constructed the Farakka Barrage just 10 miles from Bangladesh’s border, diverting the Ganges water into the Hooghly River basin. This increased salinity levels, polluted fish farms, obstructed navigation, and posed a threat to public health. Many areas in Bangladesh were severely affected by this. Villages in northern Bangladesh were struck by drought, intensifying anti-Indian sentiments that have gripped the popular imagination of Bangladesh since then. On the other hand, some in the country became infatuated with India, busy importing and using their culture and goods. According to trade agreements, Indian goods enter Bangladesh effortlessly, but Bangladeshi goods face obstacles entering India. For India, Bangladesh serves as a lucrative field for healthcare, education, and business. India earns a significant amount of foreign exchange through many expatriates.

Non Cooperation of India

Despite the low per capita income of the average citizen, Bangladesh trades $1.5 billion annually with India. Yet, India is unwilling to open its economic borders to Bangladesh. There is still no effective economic agreement that would allow our goods to cross the border into India without heavy tariffs. This trade imbalance only strengthens the feeling that we live in the shadow of their mercy. India has also tried to portray Bangladesh as a fundamentalist and terrorist state to the world due to its Muslim majority. I’ve seen firsthand, even on foreign soil, how Indians view Bangladeshis with envy and contempt. They act as friends when they want to achieve their own interests but then stab us in the back at the right moment. Perhaps they want to create a problem similar to the 1971 refugee crisis, causing Bangladesh to fall behind again. India is always ready and plotting to disrupt Bangladesh’s economic growth and religious balance. Some blame India for the decline of Bangladesh’s jute industry, the garment market downturn, and political instability.

They are too aggressive for own interest

We cannot love India. The relationship is too unequal for romance, and they are too aggressively self-interested in playing the role of a benevolent guardian. We must either live with what we have or take action. For example, we can leverage our geographical advantage through negotiations between the two nuclear powers of the subcontinent, India and Pakistan. If we don’t have our own romance, at least we can become matchmakers. Instead of deciding how India treats its minority Muslim population, we can set an example of a pluralistic society. However, the uncomfortable truth is that our concerns are often viewed and expressed through the lens of religious prejudice. Surprisingly, even since 1971, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has not felt at home here; they start earning money in Bangladesh and then continuously, systematically, and deliberately transfer funds to India to secure a safe haven there. Other religious groups live happily and peacefully in the country, but only Hindus continue to spread the narrative of minority oppression.

Conclusion:

Instead of blaming our fate, we can strengthen our democracy, rid ourselves of the spectacle of political corruption, and capitalize on our economic growth—which, despite both natural and self-inflicted disasters, has placed us in a healthy position. By doing a better job of leveling the playing field, we may not achieve a romantic relationship with India, but at least we can work towards one based on mutual respect.