Md. Ziauddin Liton

Bangladesh, India and Pakistan are three important countries in South Asia. In the meantime, the political and diplomatic relations of Bangladesh and India have been mixed with me for a long time. But Bangladesh and Pakistan, whose history, culture and religious bonds, have come through complexity for a long time. Ever since the liberation war of Bangladesh, Bangladesh has been in crisis of confidence between the two countries. However, recent trade, diplomacy and cultural communication indicate the development of relations.

India is particularly concerned about this new polarization, as India is suspicious that its long-term impact on South Asian geopolitics could have a long-term impact. And after analyzing the reasons for this doubt, the Awami League government usually followed the Indo-friendly policy, followed by the interest of Bangladesh and followed a lot of flexible policies on the Indo-Bangladesh border issue, such as implementing the land border agreement.

The Awami League government has given India the interests of India in implementing transit facilities, power and energy cooperation and infrastructure development projects. India supports the Awami League so that India can daggery over Bangladesh in regional politics. After the collapse of the Awami League government, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled and took refuge in India. As a result, power was handed over to the interim government. The current interim government is moving forward by doing reform work to transfer the state power of Bangladesh through a neutral election. Since it is not possible for the Awami League to come to power in Bangladesh in the next election, India's anxiety is not uncommon.

After the independence of Bangladesh in the 5th, relations with Pakistan were always sensitive. With the formal recognition of Pakistan Bangladesh in the 5th, bilateral relations began. Then diplomatic relations were restored in the 5th. However, the relations were maintained for a long time in the relationship for various political reasons, including war crimes trials. After the war crimes trial in Bangladesh in the 21st, the relations deteriorated further when Pakistan reacted strongly. In particular, some members of the Pakistani parliament criticized the trial and reacted angrily to the Bangladesh government. In recent times, the two countries are trying to reconstruct diplomatic relations again. Pakistan has waived the visa fee for Bangladeshis in 2021 and plans to establish direct air connectivity. At the same time, discussions are underway to increase bilateral trade. However, in addition to trying to normalize Bangladesh-Pakistan relations, both countries have to deal with some practical challenges, especially historical disadvantages, geopolitical pressure and economic limitations.

Due to the united movement of the Awami League government, the Awami League government has become a cause of special concern for India after the collapse of the Awami League government through the one -sided movement of the Awami League government over the anti -Bangladesh student movement. In the geopolitical context of South Asia, I think India is keeping a watchful eye on this relationship for three major reasons. Security is the biggest concern in India. Pakistan's military intelligence agency ISI (ISI) has long been accused of creating political unrest in South Asia, especially within Bangladesh and India. In the past, there have been allegations of Pakistani connection with extremist groups in Bangladesh. In particular, India was concerned about the possible connection of Pakistan with organizations like Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (Huji), Jamaat-ul-Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) and Hizbut Tahrir in the 9s and 20's. If Bangladesh's relations with Pakistan are close, India fear that their security challenge may increase. On the one hand, Pakistan is a long -term ally of China. On the other hand, border conflicts and regional rivalry between India and China exist. If China can expand its influence in Bangladesh through Pakistan, it will become a new challenge for India.

China's infrastructure investment such as pigeon port, Padma Bridge, and rail projects in Bangladesh has already concerned India. India thinks that if Pakistan-China has a strategic impact in Bangladesh jointly, India thinks it can become a threat to India's security and economic interests. However, historical, cultural and economic relations between Bangladesh and India are very close. India assisted Bangladesh in the liberation war and later many agreements such as water, trade, border security and electricity connection were signed between the two countries. If Bangladesh is close with Pakistan, then India-Bangladesh relations may be damaged and the regional strategic balance may change. India believes that the revival of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations may reduce India's political and economic influence.

Whatever you think, the reality is different. Bangladesh believes in a balanced foreign policy, where the country wants to keep the balance between China, India and Pakistan. The policy of the Government of Bangladesh is "friendship with all, not hostility with anyone." Through this, the country wants to maintain multi -faceted diplomatic relations in the interest of economic development. However, the challenge for Bangladesh is how India can be reassured while developing relations with Pakistan. Bangladesh's diplomatic corporation is looking into India's concerns seriously and wants to maintain strategic relations with Pakistan without harming India.

In the current geopolitical situation, it is important to adopt a realistic policy for Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. In this case, some aspects can be considered - commercial potential between Bangladesh and Pakistan is huge. Bangladesh can see Pakistan as a new market for export, which can bring about economic prosperity. However, it will not be an alternative to India-Bangladesh trade, but will act as a supplement. If India is convinced that the relations of Pakistan and Bangladesh will not tolerate any terrorist activity, then the development of relations will be less concern for India.

If Bangladesh, India and Pakistan form a regional trade alliance together, the overall economic development of South Asia will accelerate. Platforms such as SAARC or BIMSTEC can be used more effectively. Both India and Bangladesh must ensure that India-Bangladesh relations will not be affected by the improvement of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Trade, security and communication with India should continue. Attempts to unveil a new horizon between Bangladesh and Pakistan can be good for both countries. .In the future, if India is protecting the diplomatic balance with Bangladesh, a new political equation between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will develop, which will open the door to peace and prosperity for the entire region.

The writer is a, Teacher, journalist and columnist