Bangladesh is a rapidly developing country in South Asia. Continuous progress in the economy, infrastructure development, technology and human resources sectors is increasing Bangladesh's potential manifold. Many economists and international experts believe that Bangladesh can become one of the superpowers of Asia in the future if it adopts the right strategy. However, there are allegations that India's political, economic and strategic interference is repeatedly hindering this potential of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has a very close geographical and strategic relationship with India. Despite the historical ties between the two countries, in reality, Bangladesh is a victim of Indian domination in many areas. Many analysts believe that India's unilateral policies, diplomatic pressure, trade discrimination, unfair treatment in water distribution, and military influence are forcing Bangladesh to deviate from its normal development path. This report will analyze various Indian interventions and their effects.
Economic control and trade discrimination
Trade relations between Bangladesh and India have long been unbalanced. Bangladesh's main source of imports is goods from India, but Bangladesh receives much less benefit in terms of exports.
Trade deficit and unequal deals
- Bangladesh imports about $14 billion worth of goods from India annually, while Bangladesh's exports to India are only $2 billion.
- Bangladesh has become dependent on Indian products, which is hindering the development of local industries.
- Most of the trade agreements that have been signed with India are more favorable to India.
Unequal use of transit facilities
- While Bangladesh provides transit facilities to India, India does not provide the same facilities to Bangladesh.
- Although Bangladesh is used to transport goods to India's northeastern region, India creates obstacles to Bangladesh's exports.
- Although India used Bangladesh's Chittagong and Mongla ports, Bangladesh did not receive sufficient commercial benefits in return.
Political interference and internal influence
India's influence in Bangladesh's internal politics is widespread. There are allegations that Indian diplomatic and intelligence agencies play an active role in Bangladesh.
India's role in electoral politics
- India's position during elections in Bangladesh is always controversial.
- India's diplomatic activities and special relationship influence Bangladesh's internal decision-making.
- Analysts believe that India's diplomatic and secret agencies exert special influence over the major political parties in Bangladesh.
Diplomatic pressure and influence on policymaking
- India heavily interferes in Bangladesh's foreign policy, especially in its relations with China and Pakistan.
- India always prioritizes its own interests in matters of defense, energy, water distribution, and border policy.
- Although Bangladesh wanted to take a neutral position on many international issues, it was forced to change its decision under pressure from India.
India's unilateral policy on water and river management
Most of Bangladesh's major rivers flow from India. India's unilateral control of water has a negative impact on Bangladesh's agriculture, biodiversity, and economy.
Non-implementation of Teesta and other river water agreements
- The Teesta Agreement has been pending for a long time, resulting in severe losses to agriculture in northern Bangladesh.
- India unilaterally controls the flow of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna and other rivers, which is harmful to the environment of Bangladesh.
- It has been India's long-standing policy to release excess water during the rainy season to cause floods and to retain water during the dry season.
Farakka Dam and water crisis
- India's Farakka Dam has reduced the flow of the Padma River, creating the potential for desertification in southwestern Bangladesh.
- Agricultural production is being disrupted due to lack of water, which is a threat to the country's food security.
Border security and military intervention
Indian dominance in border killings, military agreements, and strategic relations is a major challenge for Bangladesh.
Border killings and BSF aggression
- Every year, hundreds of Bangladeshis are killed by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on the Bangladesh-India border.
- Despite repeated condemnations by international human rights organizations, India has not changed its border policy.
- Shootings targeting civilians in the name of stopping illegal smuggling in border areas are a regular occurrence.
Military contracts and security threats
- India wants to make Bangladesh dependent through military agreements, which is contrary to Bangladesh's strategic independence.
- If Bangladesh wants to increase military ties with China or Turkey, India opposes it.
- India also wants Bangladesh to be dependent on it when it comes to purchasing defense equipment.
Can Bangladesh become an Asian superpower?
Bangladesh's economic, infrastructure, and human resource development could make it a major player in Asia. However, India's strategic interference, economic inequality, water scarcity, and political influence are preventing Bangladesh from reaching its full potential.
If Bangladesh wants to overcome these challenges, the following steps must be taken:
- To balance trade, we need to reduce our dependence on India and increase our ties with other countries.
- To ensure an independent foreign policy, strategic decisions must be made without succumbing to Indian pressure.
- Pressure must be applied through international diplomacy to stop border killings.
- India must be pressured in international forums to ensure fair distribution of water.
