India-Bangladesh Relations PDF

# Bangladesh Prime Minister's Visit to India ## Why in News? **Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on an official visit to India for two days.** - This is the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader after the formation of the new government following Lok Sabha Elections...

# Bangladesh Prime Minister's Visit to India ## Why in News? **Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on an official visit to India for two days.** - This is the first incoming bilateral state visit by a foreign leader after the formation of the new government following Lok Sabha Elections. ## Explained: - India and Bangladesh are close South Asian neighbors. India actively supported Bangladesh's independence in 1971, forging a strong foundation for their relationship. Landmark agreements like the 2015 land border deal showcase cooperation. - However, complexities exist. Sharing rivers like the Teesta River leads to water-sharing disputes. Additionally, recent Indian policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act have caused friction. Despite these challenges, both nations share economic ties through trade and collaborate on regional security and development, making cooperation crucial for their mutual benefit. ## Way to Marks: ### Insights on Recently Signed Pact **Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) talk:** - India and Bangladesh pledged to start negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). - **Future-Oriented Partnership**: Recognizing Interconnected Progress and Prosperity of Both Nations. They emphasized guiding India-Bangladesh ties towards a Future-Oriented Partnership, aligning with "Viksit Bharat 2047" and "Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041". - **Enhancing Defense and Security Collaboration:** India welcomed Bangladesh's decision to join Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. - **Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI)** seeks to ensure Security and Stability of Regional Maritime Domain. - **E-Medical Visas:** India announced the launch of an e-Medical Visa Facility for Bangladeshi Nationals seeking Medical Treatment in India. **India’s Vision for Regional Leadership:** Bangladesh is central to India's Neighborhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR and Indo-Pacific Vision. ## Areas of Cooperation between India and Bangladesh ### Political Cooperation: - Indian PM's visit to Bangladesh to take part in their Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Independence. - India has awarded Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangladesh's Founding President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. - Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina's visit to India to take part in the G-20 Summit. ### Land Boundary Agreement (2015) - India and Bangladesh swapped Disputed Islands and allowed inhabitants to choose their country of residence. ### Economic Cooperation: - Bangladesh is India's Biggest Trade Partner in South Asia. - India is the 2nd Biggest Trade Partner of Bangladesh in Asia. - India is Bangladesh's Largest Export Destination in Asia. - Approx. $1.97 billion of Bangladeshi exports to India in FY 2023-24. - Trade in Indian Rupee has started between both countries. - India has provided Duty-Free Quota Access to Bangladesh on All Tariff Lines, except Tobacco and Alcohol, under South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) since 2011. ### Infrastructure Cooperation - **Ahaura - Agartala Rail Link** has been inaugurated that connects Bangladesh and North-East through Tripura. - **Maitri Setu' Bridge**, which is a 1.9 km long bridge connecting Sabroom in India with Ramgarh in Bangladesh, has been inaugurated. - **Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala Bus Service** launched in 2015. - Both countries have operationalized agreements for the usage of Chittagong and Mongla Ports in 2023. ### Energy Cooperation - **India - Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline**, connecting Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Bangladesh, will transport 1 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh. - In 2018, Russia, Bangladesh, and India signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the implementation of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, Bangladesh's first Nuclear Power Reactor. ### Defence Cooperation - **India-Bangladesh Border** of 4096.7 km is the Longest Land Boundary that India shares with any of its neighbors - **Joint Exercises** like Exercise Sampriti (Army) and Exercise Bongosagar (Navy). - **China-Bangladesh Golden Friendship 2024:** China-Bangladesh 1st ever Joint Military Exercises ### Multilateral Cooperation - Both engage in various multilateral fora such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, Indian Ocean Rim Association. - Also, as per India Tourism Statistics Report 2022, Bangladesh has been the 2nd largest tourist-generating market for India in 2021. ## Areas of Tension ### Sharing of Transboundary River Waters - India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers, but only two transboundary river water-sharing treaties have been signed so far, the Ganga Waters Treaty and the Kushiyara River Treaty. - The major point of contention is the Teesta River water dispute. - Bangladesh seeks an equitable distribution of Teesta waters, which has not been agreed by India and its state of West Bengal. ### Deportation of Rohingyas - India and Bangladesh have mutual but conflicting interests in the deportation of Rohingyas to Mainland Myanmar. ### Cross-Border Terrorism and Infiltration - Cross-border terrorism and infiltration through the Bangladesh border have raised threats to India's internal security. - Armed dacoity in border districts, fake money transfer, cattle smuggling, and prostitution have also raised internal security concerns in India. ### Growing Chinese Influence in Bangladesh - Bangladesh is an active partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). - China's increasing involvement with Bangladesh potentially undermines India's regional standing and impedes its strategic aspirations. ### Attacks on Minorities - Ethnic Attacks on Bangla-speaking Hindus in Bangladesh and attacks on Bangladeshis in India have strained India-Bangladesh Partnership ## Practice Questions 1. What agreement did India and Bangladesh pledge to start negotiations on? - (a) Free Trade Agreement - (b) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) - (c) Bilateral Investment Treaty - (d) Preferential Trade Agreement 2. Which initiative did Bangladesh decide to join, as welcomed by India? - (a) QUAD - (b) AUKUS - (c) Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative - (d) BRICS 3. What new visa facility did India announce for Bangladeshi nationals? - (a) e-Tourist Visa - (b) e-Business Visa - (c) e-Medical Visa - (d) e-Student Visa 4. Which policy of India considers Bangladesh central to its vision? - (a) Look East Policy - (b) Neighborhood First Policy - (c) Connect Central Asia Policy - (d) Link West Policy 5. In which year was the Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh implemented? - (a) 2013 - (b) 2014 - (c) 2015 - (d) 2016 6. What is Bangladesh's position as India's trade partner in South Asia? - (a) Second biggest - (b) Third biggest - (c) Fourth biggest - (d) Biggest 7. How many common rivers do India and Bangladesh share? - (a) 34 - (b) 44 - (c) 54 - (d) 64 8. Which of the following is NOT an area of cooperation mentioned between India and Bangladesh? - (a) Political Cooperation - (b) Economic Cooperation - (c) Space Cooperation - (d) Energy Cooperation 9. What is the length of the India-Bangladesh border? - (a) 3096.7 km - (b) 3596.7 km - (c) 4096.7 km - (d) 4596.7 km 10. Which country is Bangladesh's largest export destination in Asia? - (a) China - (b) Japan - (c) India - (d) South Korea # Anti-Reservation Protests in Bangladesh ## Why In News? - Protests against job quotas in Bangladesh have turned violent, resulting in over 100 deaths and leading to a siege of Dhaka. - In response, the Sheikh Hasina government has imposed a curfew and an internet shutdown. ## Explained - In Bangladesh, widespread protests are occurring due to the reinstatement of a 30% job quota for the descendants of freedom fighters. This quota, initially abolished in 2018 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, was reinstated by a High Court ruling on June 5, leading to significant unrest. The decision was viewed as arbitrary, with the High Court arguing that freedom fighters and their progeny remained among the most disadvantaged citizens. - The situation escalated when Prime Minister Hasina's statements seemingly equated protesters with the descendants of Razakars, collaborators with Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War. This further inflamed tensions, resulting in clashes between protesters, police, and the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling party. While the government has expressed agreement with student demands, it has appealed the High Court's decision, with the Supreme Court set to hear the case on August 7. ## Background: Reservation Policy of Bangladesh - **Reservation System notified in 1972:** Reserving 30% of government and semi-government posts for freedom fighters and 10% for women. - **Situation after Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman:** Quotas were effectively frozen until 1996, when Hasina became Prime Minister for the first time. The benefits of freedom fighters' quotas were subsequently extended to their sons and daughters. - **Situation after 2001:** After Awami League lost power in 2001, the process of implementation of quotas slowed down again. But Hasina returned as Prime Minister in 2009, and two years later, quota benefits were also made available to grandchildren of freedom fighters. ## Related Facts - **Besides the 30% quota for freedom fighters, there are:** 10% quotas each for women and backward districts, 5% for members of tribal communities, and 1% for Persons with Disabilities, taking total reservation to 56%. ## Withdrawal of Quota in 2018 - In 2018, the then Hasina government decided to scrap freedom fighter and other quotas. This was subsequently challenged in the court. - The High Court ruled that the government's decision was arbitrary - and that freedom fighters and their progeny remained one of the most backward sections of the country's citizens. ## Why Are Students Protesting in Bangladesh? - **Opposition to return of a 30% quota in government employment** - **Statement made by PM of Bangladesh:** The situation was inflamed by a statement from PM Sheikh Hasina, in which she seemed to equate protesters with descendants of Razakars. ## Violence Sparked by a Court Order - On June 5, the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh reinstated a 30% job quota for freedom fighters' descendants, overturning a 2018 government decision to eliminate these quotas. - These protests have involved clashes with police and the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League Party. - Although government has expressed agreement with students' demands, it has appealed to the Supreme Court, which has suspended the High Court's ruling and will hear the case on August 7. ## Language Controversy - **Bangladesh Liberation War:** - In 1948, Jinnah declared that Urdu will be the official language, and people of East Pakistan who were Bangla speaking, will have to comply. - This led to widespread protests in East Pakistan, and the "Language Movement" began for the right of Bengalis to use Bangla as their official language. - This movement was led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who joined the Awami League Party. ## Political Imbalance - Pakistan administration was dominated by West Pakistan, and Bengalis had no political say in the process. - East Pakistan had more population than the West, but received a lower budget allotment. - Bengalis were under-represented in every aspect of administration and military. ## Cultural Differences - West Pakistan was dominated by Punjabi and Pashtun ethnicity, while East Pakistanis gave more importance to Bengali ethnicity over religious identity. ## Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - Often called "Father of the Nation"/ "Bangabandhu" of Bangladesh. - Prominent political leader who led Bangladesh in its fight for independence from Pakistan in 1971. - Served as Bangladesh's first Prime Minister and later as President. ## Razakars - The term "Razakar" originated in Hyderabad (modern-day India) and referred to "Volunteers". - In what was then East Pakistan, the Pakistan Armed Forces, along with radical Islamists, formed 3 main militias: Razakars, Al-Badr and Al-Shams - to suppress civil liberties, target freedom fighters and terrorize civilians. - The Razakars were mercenary collaborators of the Pakistan military who led a brutal campaign of murder and rape in which up to 3 million Bangladeshis are estimated to have been killed in the space of a few months in 1971. - These militias, with the support of Pakistan Armed Forces, subjected Bengalis to genocidal acts, including rape, torture, murder and forced deportation. Reservation to 56%. - In India, Razakars were a paramilitary force in Hyderabad that opposed integration with India after 1947. - The Razakars were founded by Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Bahadur Yar Jung and led by Qasim Rizvi. - After their defeat by Indian Armed Forces in Operation Polo in 1948, Rizvi emigrated to Pakistan. ## Pepper it With - Bangladesh liberation war - “West Bengal issue with Bangladesh" ## Practice Questions 1. What percentage of government and semi-government posts were initially reserved for Freedom fighters in Bangladesh? - (a) 10% - (b) 20% - (c) 30% - (d) 40% 2. When was the reservation system first notified in Bangladesh? - (a) 1971 - (b) 1972 - (c) 1975 - (d) 1996 3. Who extended the benefits of Freedom Fighters' quota to their sons and daughters? - (a) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - (b) Ziaur Rahman - (c) Khaleda Zia - (d) Sheikh Hasina 4. In which year did the government decide to scrap Freedom-Fighter and other quotas? - (a) 2009 - (b) 2011 - (c) 2018 - (d) 2024 5. What percentage of job quota for Freedom Fighters' descendants was reinstated by the High Court in 2024? - (a) 10% - (b) 20% - (c) 30% - (d) 40% 6. Which language did Jinnah declare as the official language of Pakistan in 1948? - (a) Bengali - (b) Urdu - (c) English - (d) Punjabi 7. Who led the "Language Movement" in East Pakistan? - (a) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto - (b) Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - (c) Yahya Khan - (d) A.K. Fazlul Huq 8. In which year did Sheikh Mujibur Rahman present the 6-Point Movement? - (a) 1956 - (b) 1966 - (c) 1970 - (d) 1971 9. What was the Agartala Conspiracy Case about? - (a) Economic fraud - (b) Military coup - (c) Sedition charges against Mujibur Rahman - (d) Border dispute with India 10. Which natural disaster in 1970 added to the animosity between East and West Pakistan? - (a) Earthquake - (b) Tsunami - (c) Cyclone Bhola - (d) Drought 11. Which political party won a sweeping victory in East Pakistan in the 1970 election? - (a) Pakistan. People's Party - (b) Awami League - (c) Muslim League - (d) Jamaat-e-Islami 12. On which date was the Flag of Bangladesh raised for the first time? - (a) 16 December 1971 - (b) 26 March 1971 - (c) 23 March 1971 - (d) 25 March 1971 13. What was the name of the guerrilla resistance movement formed by Bengalis during the Liberation War? - (a) Mukti Bahini - (b) Naxalites - (c) Bengal Tigers - (d) Freedom Force 14. Which operation was launched by the Pakistan Air Force on December 3, 1971? - (a) Operation Searchlight - (b) Operation Chengiz Khan - (c) Operation Trident - (d) Operation Vijay 15. On which date did India formally recognize Bangladesh as an independent nation? - (a) December 3, 1971 - (b) December 6, 1971 - (c) December 8, 1971 - (d) December 16, 1971 16. What was the name of the Indian Navy operation that attacked the Pakistani port city of Karachi? - (a) Operation Chengiz Khan - (b) Operation Trident - (c) Operation Vijay - (d) Operation Searchlight 17. Who signed the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of Pakistan's Eastern Command? - (a) Yahya Khan - (b) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto - (c) Lt Gen AAK Niazi - (d) Gen Tikka Khan 18. How many Pakistani troops approximately surrendered in Bangladesh? - (a) 50,000 - (b) 75,000 - (c) 93,000 - (d) 100,000 19. When was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman released from prison? - (a) December 1971 - (b) January 1972 - (c) March 1972 - (d) August 1972 20. What position did Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assume upon his return to Bangladesh? - (a) President - (b) Prime Minister - (c) Army Chief - (d) Foreign Minister ***