Bangladesh-based terror groups acting against India is not new. What is new is a Bangladeshi terror group based in India acting against both India and Bangladesh. Needless to say, robust counterterrorism cooperation between India and Bangladesh is imperative to tackling common enemies like JMB.
A comprehensive approach is needed to deal with the problem of illegal migration from Bangladesh. All the affected states would have to adopt a uniform policy, in the absence of which any amount of effort is bound to deliver only partial results.
Smruti S. Pattanaik replies: Among the three major political parties of Bangladesh, the Awami League is ideologically closer to India as it believes in secularism and democracy. The present government, which is led by the Awami League, is strongly supported by India.
It is essential in the interest of economic development and smooth rehabilitation of the affected people that funds as part of a comprehensive financial package be devolved to the West Bengal Government at the earliest.
The international community should strengthen the hands of the Sheikh Hasina government. It has a proven track record of working against extremists and terrorists.
Pushpita Das replies: The exchange of 162 enclaves between India and Bangladesh will enhance border security and improve the management of the international boundary in a substantial manner. Presently, due to their peculiar status, these enclaves do not have a state presence in the form of an administrative set-up. As a result, the inhabitants of these enclaves are deprived of legitimate means of livelihood, which has forced many of them to engage in smuggling and other illegal activities.
In the true spirit of a democracy, Modi should reach out to leaders of all major political parties in Bangladesh and convince them of India’s intention to work as a partner in progress and development.
The foreign policy of a country generally changes incrementally but in the case of Bangladesh it changes dramatically towards India depending upon which political party or alliance is in power. The ideological cleavage prevailing in the country affects not only its domestic politics but also its relationship with its neighbour India. In this article an attempt has been made to explain why and how the domestic politics of Bangladesh affects India–Bangladesh relations.
Why JMB is of Concern to India
Bangladesh-based terror groups acting against India is not new. What is new is a Bangladeshi terror group based in India acting against both India and Bangladesh. Needless to say, robust counterterrorism cooperation between India and Bangladesh is imperative to tackling common enemies like JMB.