Staff Reporter:
Speakers at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka yesterday explored the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh-India relations, with a focus on identifying opportunities, addressing challenges and charting a construc-tive path forward.
They observed that the relationship is not defined by just a few days or months and remained optimistic that it will improve in the near future.
The South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), in collaboration with the Department of Political Science & Sociology (PSS) at North South University (NSU), hosted the discussion titled “Bangladesh-India Relations: Expectations, Challenges, and Future Prospects.”
The event, held at NSU’s Syndicate Hall, brought together a panel of experts and stakeholders to discuss the key issues between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, while speaking as the chief guest, underscored the critical need for fostering mutual trust and engaging in open, constructive dialogue as a means to overcome the existing challenges and unlock the full potential of Bangladesh-India bilateral cooperation.
He emphasised that the true measure of Bangladesh’s success in enhancing bilateral ties with India would be rooted in national consensus and unity, which, he believes, will serve as the litmus test for the coun-try’s future progress in this regard.
The discussion featured a panel, including Dr SM Asaduzzaman Ripon, BNP Vice Chairman, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, joint member secretary of AB Party; Saquib Ali, former diplomat; Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, former Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division; and Prof Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob, Vice-Chancellor of Manarat International University.
These experts brought a range of perspectives to the discussion, addressing both the challenges and op-portunities in strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.
The panel was moderated by Dr M Jashim Uddin, Associate Prof at NSU’s Department of Political Sci-ence & Sociology, noted that many Bangladeshis feel that the country has not received the expected sup-port from India following the Liberation War of 1971.
He also highlighted the current tensions and challenges in the Bangladesh-India relationship, reflecting on how these historical and contemporary issues have shaped public perceptions and diplomatic efforts. He stated that a much-anticipated national unity is needed, giving the highest priority to our national interests.
In his opening remarks, Prof Sk. Tawfique M Haque, Director of SIPG, set the tone for the discussion by providing a comprehensive analysis of the historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped Bangladesh-India relations.
He stressed the importance of building a national consensus in Bangladesh to develop a more construc-tive, forward-looking relationship with India.
Barrister Fuaad emphasized the role of lobbying and political maneuvering in shaping Bangladesh-India relations. He argued that external pressures and vested interests have often complicated diplomatic ef-forts and undermined the spirit of cooperation.
Saquib Ali highlighted the lingering effects of colonial trauma as a significant barrier to smoother rela-tions between the two nations. He observed that, historically, Bangladesh’s leadership has often priori-tized political party interests over national interests, with the people’s welfare coming second.
Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman brought attention to the growing influence of China in the region, noting that this has placed the Bangladesh-India relationship in a particularly delicate position.
Prof Dr Mohammad Abdur Rob echoed similar concerns, stating that India’s regional aspirations and aggressive measures complicate efforts to build a cooperative relationship with Bangladesh.
Asaduzzaman Ripon expressed deep concern over the continued use of extremist narratives in Indian media, noting that these narratives, often propagated by previous regimes, continue to shape perceptions in both countries.
He also commended the students of North South University, particularly for their role in the July Revo-lution.
In his closing remarks, Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, NSU Vice-Chancellor expressed a hopeful out-look on the future of Bangladesh-India relations.
Prof Chowdhury reaffirmed NSU’s commitment to hosting meaningful dialogues that contribute to shaping the political and economic landscape of the region.
Acknowledging the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between Bangladesh and India since 1971, Prof Chowdhury noted that while these connections are significant, it is also essential to address the issue of external interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs
