Reflections on Neighbourly Relations: Love or Exploitation in Bangladesh’s Context

Living in Bangladesh, one cannot ignore the complex relationship we share with our two neighboring countries, India and Myanmar. Yet, my reflection today is exclusively on the current government's love affair with India, a relationship filled with paradox and contradiction.

BSF's Brutality and Bangladesh's Sweet Response

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has garnered infamy for its actions against Bangladeshi citizens. BSF has been known to shoot at Bangladeshi farmers working on their own fields, capture and torture Bangladeshis, and even report child murders to be gruesomely displayed on the border fence.

Interestingly, in return, instead of maintaining a level of retaliation, Bangladesh's current government opts for an act of loving kindness. They frequently send sweet mangoes, litchis, and other fruits to their Indian counterparts. This seemingly benevolent gesture, however, often rains more criticism than praise as it is seen as a form of appeasement, rather than a stance for justice.

Water Disputes and Dams

Another significant facet of our relationship is the disputes over water resources. India has constructed numerous dams along rivers that flow into Bangladesh. During dry seasons, India halts water flow, resulting in drought, while monsoons bring about floods, causing extensive damage to our agricultural lands and infrastructure. What's more, Bangladesh's government tacitly accepts these conditions, sometimes even sending gifts such as our highly prized Ilish fish, a vital cultural and economic resource to India during these times of strain. This exchange has raised questions about the balance of power and mutual respect in our relationship.

Military Attacks and Celebrity Welcome

The positive actions by Bangladesh's government towards India extend to their military. Not only does India's raw), India’s foreign intelligence agency, kill Bangladeshi military officers, but, in return, Bangladesh welcomes Indian celebrities with open arms, allowing them to take advantage of our resources with no strings attached.

Workers and Tourism

One of the most contentious aspects of our relationship is immigration. Bangladeshis find it nearly impossible to obtain work visas to India, while illegal immigrants from India frequently visit and remain in Bangladesh, often leaving with more money than they bring in, all the while working in conditions that would be considered sub-human in many parts of the world. This economic drain on our country is a significant cause of dissatisfaction among the general public.

Taxes and Media Restrictions

Yet another area of conflict is economic and tax-related. Our government imposes a tax ranging from 15% to 25% on any revenue generated from business. Meanwhile, Indians can visit Bangladesh and offer services without VAT or taxes, taking home the benefits under the guise of tourism. Furthermore, Bangladeshi TV channels are restricted from broadcasting content about India, whereas the floodgates are opened to Indian media, creating an uneven playing field.

Supporters and Critics

Despite the aforementioned issues, there are some who still advocate for maintaining positive relations with India, even in light of these atrocities. Some even call for a return to the darker days of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. However, such sentiments miss the essential point that while India has undoubtedly shown both kindness and cruelty, it is essential to hold both countries accountable and seek a fair and balanced relationship based on mutual respect and equity.

As Bangladesh moves forward, it is crucial to critically examine our relationship with our neighbors and strive for a more just and equitable partnership that benefits all involved.