We applaud the historic verdict on the 40-year maritime boundary dispute in the Bay of Bengal delimitation case. Even though, legally speaking, this was a victory for Bangladesh over India in terms of territorial claims, the judgment delivered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague was truly a win for both Bangladesh and India, as well as a win for the rule of international law.
This victory – coupled with the judgment two years ago resolving boundary disputes between Bangladesh and Myanmar – is a great leap forward for our country which opens up vast possibilities for tapping into maritime resources. Gaining the rights to exploit potential hydrocarbon resources would give a tremendous boost to our economy.
The clear delineation of boundaries will help India as well. Now that these disputes have been put behind us, both our countries can plan more efficiently to pursue their national interests within unambiguous bounds set by the court.
It is commendable that both our government and the Indian side took recourse to the rule of law to dispute this matter. It is, then, a victory of legal instruments and diplomacy. We are glad that India is gracefully honouring its word to accept the verdict of the international court, and we hope that in the future, bilateral relations are strengthened and conflicts are minimised in the same legal and civilised manner in which the maritime dispute has been resolved.
