‘India has made enough overtures… Now it’s up to Bangladesh’: Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, discussed the recent turmoil in India-Bangladesh relations with Shubhajit Roy of The Indian Express on September 3. The BNP government led by Tarique Rahman has brought a new dynamic to the relationship, characterized by political turbulence and economic challenges.

Rahman's ties to pro-Pakistan lobbies and the Jamaat-e-Islami, a group that has historically opposed India, have raised concerns. The Awami League, which has been banned from participating in the election, has also played a role in the strained relations. Despite these issues, India and Bangladesh share a deep civilizational heritage and a vast network of people-to-people, business-to-business, and educational connections.

India has made several overtures to improve ties, but it is now up to Bangladesh to reciprocate. Sheikh Hasina's return to India for the BRICS summit was prevented, but India has not ruled out her participation in other bilateral meetings. The extradition of Hasina remains a contentious issue, as the Bangladesh government has not initiated extradition proceedings.

The security aspect of the relationship is also a concern, as there are worries about the reorganization of Islamists and terrorists in Bangladesh and the potential revival of Al-Qaeda. Additionally, the Ganga water treaty, which is set to expire in December, is under negotiation, with Bangladesh seeking greater water guarantees from India.

The involvement of major actors such as China, the US, and Pakistan further complicates the relationship.