Amid Dhaka's Destabilisation Claims, MEA Pushes For Positive And Constructive Ties With Bangladesh
“There have been developments there and we continue to follow those developments": Reports
NEW DELHI: Even as suspense remains on the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Mr Tarique Rahman to India, the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said India wants 'positive, constructive and forward looking' ties with Dhaka. The statement comes in the backdrop of a statement by PM Rahman’s Special Assistant Mohammad Rashed Khan that Indian intelligence agencies held meetings with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and are trying to destabilise the Bangladesh government under Mr Rahman. He added that the first step in the conspiracy was a plan by Jamaat to launch a movement alongside the Awami League.
MEA on Tuesday declined to comment on these allegations made by Mr Khan even as Jamaat leaders in Dhaka asked Mr Khan to prove the allegation that its secretary general, Mia Golam Porwar, held a secret meeting with a senior Indian intelligence official. Dhaka has also blamed former PM Sheikh Hasina for causing labour unrest in Bangladesh while operating from India.
“There have been developments there and we continue to follow those developments. As far as the India-Bangladesh relationship is concerned, we want to work towards a positive, forward-looking and a constructive relationship,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Mr Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday.
Mr Rahman in a statement relating to the unrest in the garment factories had earlier said that attempts have been made “from across the border” to foment labour unrest in Bangladesh and even pointed fingers on former PM Sheikh Hasina for causing trouble for his government along with Jamaat. Bangladesh media quoted him saying that “intelligence agencies have clear information that the fugitive autocrat is providing funds to stir up labour unrest” without directly naming Ms Hasina.
“We have clear intelligence that the autocrat who fled the country is providing funds for this. ... With whose help? There are several parties spreading misinformation in the country. They tried to sell various tickets to the people before the election. These two sides have joined hands. One is providing money from across the border, while the other is sitting here and trying to create instability,” Mr Rahman said while referring to the activities of the now banned Awami League and the opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in connection with the labour unrest.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Shama Obaed Islam said her government is hopeful of renewing the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India before its expiry this year. Bangladesh media house Prothom Alo quoted her saying the government is preparing to negotiate on the basis of the country’s legitimate water requirements and long-term national interests.
“We believe and hope that the treaty, which expires this year, will be renewed. We hope India will make the right decision,” Ms Islam said. The 30-year Ganges Water Treaty, signed between Bangladesh and India in 1996, expires in December 2026.
