Md. Tanzim Hossain

It’s time to recognize the vultures behind the mask of friendship. Even after 53 years of independence, Bangladesh remains a silent victim of aggression disguised as friendship. While dreams of development soar in our skies, the ground beneath us is laden with exploitation. We seek a lasting relationship with India, but if this relationship repeatedly undermines our sovereignty, self-reliance, and the essence of freedom, it ceases to be friendship—it becomes a silent conspiracy of dominance.

Innocent lives are lost daily at the border. How can a country that claims to be a friend spill the blood of our brothers and sisters? A friendship where one nation fires bullets while the other offers trust—is this truly a friendship? After countless killings, there is no accountability. We demand justice for the blood of Felani and countless others.

India’s unilateral withdrawal of river waters continues to destroy our agriculture. Despite years of struggle, we are yet to receive equitable water sharing from 54 transboundary rivers, including the Teesta. Projects like the Farakka Barrage have altered river flows, turning vast areas of northern Bangladesh barren and lifeless.

Our markets are flooded with cheap Indian goods, crippling local industries and production. Indian products dominate our shops, leaving no room for our own. This one-sided economic dependence has pushed our economy into a state of vulnerability. Is this friendship or an exploitative monopoly?

Cultural aggression further threatens our identity. Through films, music, and television, India is attempting to uproot our cultural heritage and impose its influence. To safeguard our language, traditions, and values, resistance must start now.

India also weaponizes minority issues to ignite divisions and instability within our borders. This malicious ploy of inciting unrest in the guise of friendship must be stopped. Rising above divisions, we must unify to dismantle this conspiracy.

While the relationship is often hailed as an example of historic friendship, in reality, our sovereignty and independence are repeatedly tested. How long will this masquerade of friendship continue before we recognize it for what it is?

The patience of the people of Bangladesh has reached its limits. The time for silence is over. From 1971 to 2024, we have proven time and again that we are not afraid to stand against oppression. Bangladesh does not rely on anyone’s mercy. To protect our independence, we must embrace self-reliance. The vultures exploiting our land, water, and sky in the name of friendship must be unmasked.

Independent Bangladesh is not a playground for exploitation. We have learned to live with dignity. Today, we declare: You are no friend, but a vulture. Those poisoning our land, water, and air must be stopped.

Bangladesh will not tolerate subjugation. This proud nation will continue to stand tall and fight against all forms of aggression.

The writer is a, Teacher & Journalist