Defence pact with India

The Prime Minister's scheduled trip to India on April 7 is crucial for Bangladesh for many reasons. The potential treaties of India's use of the Chittagong and Mongla's ports, as well as issues of Teesta water sharing, imbalance of trade, and the unabated border killings are expected to be addressed through this trip. 

Under these circumstances we, the people of Bangladesh, would like to say that Bangladesh needs both India and China as close allies and development partners to boost its economy. It is unrealistic for India to expect Bangladesh to not maintain strategic relations with China, while also pursuing a close relationship with India.

India should understand that the Sheikh Hasina government has done everything possible to help India uproot insurgent forces from their northeastern states by providing transit and access to the Chittagong and Mongla ports. In return, India is yet to meet Bangladesh's much-awaited Teesta water sharing demand. Indian high officials have cited West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's delay in signing the treaty. But if she never agrees to do it, how will the matter be resolved? For how long will we wait? 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in turning down India's request for a 25 years' defence treaty, has suggested an MoU addressing several defence issues. We wholeheartedly endorse her stance. We want not only India but also China to be our closest friend and development partner.

Sajjad Hossain Juel
University of Dhaka