Essay on the relationship between India and Bangladesh

The birth of Bangladesh in December 1971 was a direct outcome of the Indo-Pakistan war in which Pakistani troops surrendered unconditionally in erstwhile East Pakistan. The emergence of Bangladesh was described as an event of major importance in the Sub-continent.

India was forced to liberate East Pakistan as it was faced with an unprecedented crisis caused by massive influx of 10 million refugees and all efforts by the Indian Prime Minister; Mrs. Indira- Gandhi to persuade Pakistan for a negotiated settlement with Awami League leaders bore no fruits.

On March 9, 1972 both countries signed a treaty of Friendship and Peace. Mrs Indira Gandhi assured Bangladesh of India’s full support and cooperation in securing its admission to the United Nations.

This Treaty was signed for a period of 25 years. Pakistan was disturbed at the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Peace and described it as a virtual military alliance. But study of provisions of the Treaty makes it clear that it was signed to strengthen bilateral relations and promote regional peace and international cooperation.

It was certainly not a military pact against any country or bloc of countries. The signing of friendship treaty was followed by the conclusion of a comprehensive trade agreement of March 25, 1972. Thus, the Treaty of Friendship and the Trade Agreement were concluded in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit, friendship and good neighborliness.

Sharing of Ganga Water

The biggest bone of contention between India and Bangladesh relates to sharing of Ganga waters. This dispute is mainly concerned with sharing of waters during lean season, January to May, particularly mid-March to mid-May, when the flow of Ganga reduces to minimum level of 55, 000 cusecs.

The crux of the problem is that if India withdraws 40,000 cusecs which is the barest minimum required to flush Hooghly to save Calcutta port, Bangladesh then receives only 15,000 cusecs which is highly insufficient to meet its needs.

The extraction of this larger amount of water by India gives rise to multifarious problems in Bangladesh. Thus, the dispute between India and Bangladesh relates to equitable sharing of Ganga waters by the two countries.

The Farakka Barrage built by India on the river Ganga is situated on the Bengal-Bihar border near Farakka about 400 km. north of Calcutta. The primary reason for the construction of this Barrage was the preservation and maintenance of the Calcutta port and navigability of Bhagirathi-Hooghly.

Now that the barrage is constructed Calcutta port is saved but diversion of water for the port became an issue of international discord and misunderstanding. Although different agreement were concluded to regulate the water of Ganga and to resolve the Farakka barrage issue but the final agreement was concluded between the two governments in the year 1996. Sheikh Hasina government negotiated with India a treaty for sharing Ganga waters for 30 years.

India was represented by H.D.Deve Gowda, the prime minister of India. The main feature of this Treaty regarding sharing of Ganga water at Farraka is that Ganga water at Farakka would be determined by 15 blocks of 10 day period from January 1 to May 31 every year.

The New Moore Island Dispute

There have been tensions between India and Bangladesh over certain territorial claims also. These include the dispute over New Moore Island, the problem related to the Teen Bigha corridor and the clash in Muhuni Char in the Belonia sector. Of the three, the dispute over New Moore Island persists as a major problem.

New Moore Island covering an area of 2 to 12 sq. km., depending upon rising and receding of tide, is located in the Bay of Bengal.

It is about 5200 meters from the nearest Indian coastal point and 7000 meters from Bangladesh coastal point. Indian flag was hoisted on the island on March 12, 1980 and subsequent to that all problems arose. Bangladesh questioned the ownership rights of India. The dispute has remained unresolved though it has been discussed at different levels.

Indo-Bangladesh relations were adversely affected on account of dispute regarding Till Bigha corridor also. During Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure this small patch of an acre of Indian Territory called Teen Bigha was leased out to Bangladesh. This agreement of leasing could not be implemented as it required a constitutional amendment.

Other Bilateral issues

Among other problems in India Bangladesh relations is the problem of Chakma refugees who have mostly taken shelter in Indian state of Tripura.

Negotiations during 1994 led to the repatriation of Chakma refugees from Tripura to Chittagong Hill tracts in Bangladesh. Most of them have already been repatriated and some are still awaiting their repatriation. India is facing another problem of Bangladeshi migrants, majority of them belonging to weaker sections who have settled in different parts of India.

Their number, which is estimated to be more than 10 lakh people, burdens the Indian economy. Despite India’s repeated requests, Bangladesh government is taking no action for their recall and Indian government is left with no choice but to take stern measures to deport them to Bangladesh.