The visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India at a time when the globe is still reeling from the effects of Covid-19 and the ongoing unrest in Europe is significant because both nations must work together to combat the effects of a slowing global economy.
The world is gradually heading towards recession, and economists are predicting gloomy times ahead. However, the harm from a slump can be reduced with careful planning. The PM's visit at a moment of global socio-political turmoil emphasizes the importance of making the most of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Signed agreements
On the second day of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India, seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were reportedly signed between Dhaka and New Delhi.
These are:
1)Withdrawal of water from Kushiyara River by Bangladesh under Upper Surma-Kushiyara Project, Sylhet via Rahmipur
2) Between Scientific cooperation between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India and Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR)
3) Between National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, India and Supreme Court of Bangladesh
4) Between Ministry of Railways, India and Bangladesh Railway for the training of Bangladesh Railway personnel at the training Institutes of Indian Railway
Between Ministry of Railways, India and Bangladesh Railway for collaboration for IT solutions for Bangladesh Railway
Between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh Television
For cooperation in the areas of space technology
Naturally, these accords will prompt in-depth study from experts in the days to come, but the general public will expect to get an equal part of the advantages brought about by these agreements.
During the two premiers' private discussions, additional topics like connectivity, trade and commerce, investment, water resource management, security, border, and lines of credit were also raised. PM Sheikh Hasina referred to the two nations' bilateral relations as a model for neighbourhood diplomacy.She also stated that all issues regarding the water sharing of 54 common rivers, including the Teesta water sharing pact, would also be handled in reference to the signing of the MoU on the Kushiara River between the two countries. Since disagreements over water sharing have frequently come up between the two countries, the removal of water from Kushiyara will be appreciated.
Lessons to be learned
The two nations have shared a history and culture since Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, as well as mutual trust and respect, enduring friendship, and ongoing cooperation. The two nations have also historically reached agreements on a number of pressing problems in a friendly and cooperative manner.
Everyone can see that any benefits Bangladesh has received from India have been brought about by the Awami League administration. As a result, we wish that all concerns will be resolved at once. In addition to these, the two nations will need to strengthen their respective economies by learning from the Covid-19 pandemic and current world events.
This cooperation must include providing Bangladeshi scientists and researchers with cutting-edge knowledge that may be used for development, given the impressive advancements India has made in scientific research. Getting instruction from Indian Railway, one of the top five rail networks in the world, will undoubtedly help Bangladesh improve its railway system. Regarding this, the major focus may be on luxurious rail travel that can reduce traffic while providing train rides that are solely for enjoyment.
The MoU between BTV and Prasar Bharati is the other one that is generating a lot of interest. It's unclear if this will permit the airing of Bangladeshi programming in India or not. The exchange of cultures must be balanced and not only go in one direction.
Despite its relevance, the issue of Bangladeshi experts gaining the possibility to work in India tends to be ignored. While multinational companies and other businesses in Bangladesh use Indian specialists, Bangladeshis with sufficient skills are rarely seen working in India.
It might be said that Bangladesh now has a very dynamic and driven business culture with professionals that can compete with the best thanks to its exposure to the world. The governments of the two countries must also work together to support Hindi and Bangla-dubbed films to strengthen Indo-Bangla relations and build a strong cultural bridge.
The long-running Rohingya problem was highlighted during the current trip. Bangladesh needs India's firm stance on this issue, not just diplomatic platitudes. India has agreed to support a safe, stable return of the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar from Bangladesh. India, a regional heavyweight, is in a position to put pressure on Myanmar to give the issue, which has remained unresolved for more than five years, the attention it deserves.
However, in order to assist Bangladesh in achieving the necessary progress, stability, and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India would continue to walk hand-in-hand with Bangladesh. He also emphasized the importance of working together to combat terrorism and fanaticism.
In the days to come, the friendship and fraternity between Bangladesh and India will only grow stronger.
Samina Akhter is a woman and human rights activist.
