The recent Bangladesh general elections have reignited attention on the country’s political landscape and its ramifications for regional cooperation. Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League returned to power with a landslide victory, claiming 288 out of 300 directly-elected seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, Bangladesh’s unicameral Parliament.
Sheikh Hasina’s Unprecedented Third Term
The triumph marks Sheikh Hasina’s third consecutive term as prime minister, a feat unprecedented in Bangladesh’s political history. This consolidates her position as the nation’s longest-serving head of government. Historically, her tenure has seen considerable economic growth, with an average increase of over 7% per year. This rapid growth rate has positioned Bangladesh as one of South Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Additionally, the country has enjoyed a secular government under her rule.
Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations
India perceives Sheikh Hasina’s victory as a positive step, given the countries’ history of mutual cooperation in economic and security domains. Under Sheikh Hasina’s governance, several terrorist groups operating against India from Bangladeshi soil have been curtailed. The insurgency in India’s northeastern states has notably decreased. This progress includes the extradition of insurgent leaders such as Anup Chetia, General Secretary of the United Liberation Front of Assam.
The Strategic Importance of Bangladesh to India
Bangladesh persists as a crucial component of India’s plan to connect with Southeast Asia and develop the landlocked Northeast. Given its geographical position bridging South and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh is indispensable to India’s plans for a viable alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
India’s Neighbourhood-First Policy
Under India’s ‘neighbourhood first policy’, Bangladesh has emerged as a key player in the ‘Act East Policy’. It plays a significant role in sub-regional groupings such as BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal).
India-Bangladesh Relations: Historical Perspective
India was the first nation to recognize Bangladesh’s independence in December 1971. The two countries share an extensive border of over 4000 km, making it the longest land boundary that India shares with any neighbouring nation.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) signed |
| 2017 | 13 agreements worth around $10 billion signed in power and energy sectors |
| 2021 | 1100 MW of power is exported from India to Bangladesh |
Security & Border Management
The Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP), signed by the two countries in 2011, serves as a guide for controlling cross-border illegal activities and crimes. It also aids in maintaining peace along the India-Bangladesh border.
Power Projects and Trade Ties
India exports approximately 1100 MW of power to Bangladesh and oversees power projects totaling over 3600 MW. The two nations have also cooperated on nuclear power initiatives, with Indian companies involved in the construction of the Rooppur nuclear power plant. India and Bangladesh enjoy a robust trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching around $9 billion annually. Indian investment in Bangladesh has reached $3 billion. To enhance Bangladesh’s exports to India, duty-free entry was granted in 2011 under the South Asian Free Trade Area.
Water Sharing and Connectivity
India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, necessitating a bilateral Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) to maximize benefits from these water bodies. The Protocol on Inland Water Trade and Transit (PIWTT) allows for the transport of goods via the river systems of Bangladesh, along eight specific routes.
Capacity Building and New Areas of Cooperation
India offers various training courses for Bangladeshi officials in numerous fields, promoting capacity building and bilateral ties. The two nations have also explored new areas of cooperation such as cyberspace, with Bangladesh providing cyber connectivity between Cox’s Bazar and Agartala for faster internet connectivity.
