After the ministerial talks between Pakistan and Bangladesh, some signs have come out which may give a new direction to the diplomacy of South Asia. Let us tell you that Pakistan has talked about a new beginning in relations by calling the tragedy of 1971 “the past chapter”, while Bangladesh has reiterated its old demand for accountability and apology. In this backdrop, discussions have started about the future of the relationship between the two countries and its possible impact on India.
First of all, talk about the possible future of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, let us tell you that agreements between the two countries in areas such as education, trade, cultural exchange and scholarships indicate that the two countries want to pursue relations based on practical interests. In addition, the 1971 events still exist deep in Bangladeshi Manas and politics. Until Pakistan apologizes, full confidence will be difficult. Also, China is trying to build a bridge between the two countries. Pakistan is already a close partner of China and its investment in Bangladesh is also increasing. This axis can speed up relationships.
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Talking about the possible impact on India, India’s eastern neighboring Bangladesh and Western neighbor Pakistan gradually normalize the relationship, then it will be a new challenge for India’s regional security strategy. Also, if Dhaka -Islamabad is closely with Chinese support, China -Pakistan -Bangladesh triangle in South Asia can create a position to surround India’s security and economic interests. In addition, if Bangladesh starts improving relations with Pakistan, its traditional proximity with India can turn in search of balance. India should further strengthen the infrastructure, energy and safety cooperation with Bangladesh to strengthen India’s importance in Dhaka’s diplomacy. By the way, the recent warmth in Pakistan -Bangladesh relations is based on practical interests and not historical belief. Bangladesh can take economic opportunities from Pakistan, but will not forget the suffering of 1971 so easily.
Let us tell you that a Pakistani Foreign Minister reached Bangladesh on a visit to Bangladesh after 13 years as Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Ishaq Dar, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Prof. Mohammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs advisor Tauheed Hussain, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Shafiqur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khalida Zia.
Let us remind you that the 1971 war and the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army are deeply inscribed in the national memory of Bangladesh. Millions of people lost their lives, violence occurred with innumerable women and this tragedy is still the biggest obstacle of relationships. Pakistan claims that the chapter was “closed” after the 1974 tripartite agreement (between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh). Let us also remind you that Pervez Musharraf, former chairman of the Pakistani Army, went to Dhaka in 2002 and talked about “remorse”, but Bangladesh does not consider it enough. Bangladeshi Minister Tauheed Hussain has clearly told Pakistan that Bangladesh still wants “accountability and compensation” and Pakistan should formally apologize.
However, despite the ongoing disputes between the two countries, there were many agreements during Ishaq Dar’s visit to Bangladesh. For example, a visa -free journey has been signed for diplomats and officials of both countries. Also, a joint workplace has been established for cooperation in business and education sector. In addition, cooperation will be increased in foreign service academies. Also, partnership between government news agencies BSS (Bangladesh) and APPC (Pakistan) has been announced. Apart from this, 500 Bangladeshi students will be given scholarship in Pakistan in the next five years under Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. There is also a plan to train 100 civil servants. Scholarships have been increased from 5 to 25 under the technical assistance program.
Let us also tell you that Ishaq Dar is considered a political sign of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Shafiqur Rahman and BNP leader Khaleda Zia. Actually Jamaat-e-Islami was a supporter of Pakistan in 1971 and is still disputed in Bangladeshi politics. At the same time, meeting Khaleda Zia, who has been the biggest opponent of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is considered to meet Pakistan’s political equation.
In addition, Bangladesh’s Foreign Advisor has admitted that China is in favor of strengthening relations. Actually China is the largest strategic partner of Pakistan. Also, China’s increasing investment and infrastructure projects in Bangladesh are giving further depth to this relationship. This is worth paying special attention for India, as China and Pakistan’s partnership in Bangladesh’s foreign policy can create new challenges.
However, Ishaq Dar’s visit to Dhaka has made it clear that both cooperation and mistrust are running together in Bangladesh-Pakistan relationship. New avenues of economic, educational and cultural cooperation are open, but the tragedy of 1971 is still stuck. The question is this – will Bangladesh be able to move forward by “cleaning the heart”, or will the memory of 1971 be shared on every agreement?