New chapter in India-Bangladesh bilateral ties. Tripura will open its waterways to connect with Bangladesh. 90km long inland waterways to open on September 5. Both nations revive pre-partition mode of connectivity.

Tripura-Bangladesh inland waterways route to be open on September 5

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, Jaishankar noted that the ongoing COVID-19 has not slowed down the pace of overall cooperation between the two countries and added that New Delhi stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over difficult times amid coronavirus pandemic.

"Very few countries in the world share such close fraternal ties as ours. Our partnership today stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations," he said.

"The onset to COVID-19 has posed new challenges to the world especially in realising our developmental goals. India stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over these difficult times," Jaishankar further said.&nbsp;

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Delighted to join Railways Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiyushGoyal</a> at the ceremony to hand over 10 Broad Gauge locomotives to Bangladesh. Fulfill an important commitment made during the visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to India last October. <a href="https://t.co/cjhqyPg6SV">pic.twitter.com/cjhqyPg6SV</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1287705611883421696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a handing over ceremony held today, 10 broad-gauge locomotives were virtually flagged off to Bangladesh by Jaishankar and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.

Jaishankar said: "I am delighted to join this ceremony of handing over 10 locomotives to Bangladesh. I am glad to know that parcel and container trains have been started between both countries. This will open up new&nbsp; 
opportunities for our businesses."

Jaishankar noted that the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Railways have been effective partners in implementing India`s first neighbourhood policy which has been most evident in the case of Bangladesh.

&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said. Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, Jaishankar noted that the ongoing COVID-19 has not slowed down the pace of overall cooperation between the two countries and added that New Delhi stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over difficult times amid coronavirus pandemic.

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said. Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, Jaishankar noted that the ongoing COVID-19 has not slowed down the pace of overall cooperation between the two countries and added that New Delhi stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over difficult times amid coronavirus pandemic. "Very few countries in the world share such close fraternal ties as ours. Our partnership today stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations," he said. "The onset to COVID-19 has posed new challenges to the world especially in realising our developmental goals. India stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over these difficult times," Jaishankar further said. Delighted to join Railways Minister @PiyushGoyal at the ceremony to hand over 10 Broad Gauge locomotives to Bangladesh. Fulfill an important commitment made during the visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to India last October. pic.twitter.com/cjhqyPg6SV — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 27, 2020 × In a handing over ceremony held today, 10 broad-gauge locomotives were virtually flagged off to Bangladesh by Jaishankar and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal. Jaishankar said: "I am delighted to join this ceremony of handing over 10 locomotives to Bangladesh. I am glad to know that parcel and container trains have been started between both countries. This will open up new opportunities for our businesses." Jaishankar noted that the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Railways have been effective partners in implementing India`s first neighbourhood policy which has been most evident in the case of Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region: Jaishankar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress.

Modi will participate in the birth centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh on Tuesday via video link.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-pays-tribute-to-bangabandhu-on-bangladeshs-49th-victory-day-268627">Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day</a>

The year-long celebrations were scheduled to open amid festivities at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday and were expected to be attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Modi. But it will be without any public gatherings due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-postpones-visit-to-japan-over-coronavirus-outbreak-285463">Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak</a>

"Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh's progress.

"This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu's 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh," Modi said in a tweet. 
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman served as the first president of Bangladesh and later as the prime minister of Bangladesh from April 17, 1971, until his assassination on August 15, 1975.

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Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s progress. 
 
This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu’s 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/uqAxL0h4F6">pic.twitter.com/uqAxL0h4F6</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1239766264156803072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He is considered to be the driving force behind the independence of Bangladesh and has been given the title of "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal). His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current prime minister of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress. Modi will participate in the birth centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh on Tuesday via video link. Also read: Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day The year-long celebrations were scheduled to open amid festivities at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday and were expected to be attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Modi. But it will be without any public gatherings due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak "Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh's progress. "This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu's 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh," Modi said in a tweet. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman served as the first president of Bangladesh and later as the prime minister of Bangladesh from April 17, 1971, until his assassination on August 15, 1975. Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s progress. This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu’s 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/uqAxL0h4F6 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2020 × He is considered to be the driving force behind the independence of Bangladesh and has been given the title of "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal). His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current prime minister of Bangladesh.

PM Modi pays tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary

Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran has said ties between New Delhi and Dhaka are passing through a "golden chapter".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-expresses-confidence-in-india-bangladesh-ties-says-both-working-shoulder-to-shoulder-269579">Also Read:&nbsp;PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh</a>

Speaking to WION on the sidelines of Language Martyrs' Day being celebrated at Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said, "Bangladesh-India are passing through the golden chapter and during my tenure, I will take it to greater heights."

Language Martyrs' Day or Language Movement Day is marked every year in Bangladesh on February 21. The day in 1952 saw massive protests in then east Pakistan over the imposition of Urdu by West Pakistan leading to many deaths.

Elaborating about the Language Martyrs' Day, the high commissioner said," It is one of the most important days in our history. On February 21, 1952, people sacrificed lives on the streets of Dhaka. From then onwards, we celebrate this day, we observe this day as Martyrs'&nbsp;day. It was an inspiration for our independence and our father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman participated in this movement and he guided the nation towards independence."

In 1999 UNESCO declared the day as international Mothers Language Day.

The high commissioner added, "spirit is we should not let any language to die because languages are reservoirs of tangible and intangible heritage of mankind, so we must take care of every language of the world and on this day, I urge let us protect smaller languages especially because they are more vulnerable."&nbsp;

The comments on India-Bangladesh ties comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran has said ties between New Delhi and Dhaka are passing through a "golden chapter". Also Read: PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh Speaking to WION on the sidelines of Language Martyrs' Day being celebrated at Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said, "Bangladesh-India are passing through the golden chapter and during my tenure, I will take it to greater heights.

Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Muhammad Imran has said ties between New Delhi and Dhaka are passing through a "golden chapter". Also Read: PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh Speaking to WION on the sidelines of Language Martyrs' Day being celebrated at Bangladesh High Commission, High Commissioner Muhammad Imran said, "Bangladesh-India are passing through the golden chapter and during my tenure, I will take it to greater heights." Language Martyrs' Day or Language Movement Day is marked every year in Bangladesh on February 21. The day in 1952 saw massive protests in then east Pakistan over the imposition of Urdu by West Pakistan leading to many deaths. Elaborating about the Language Martyrs' Day, the high commissioner said," It is one of the most important days in our history. On February 21, 1952, people sacrificed lives on the streets of Dhaka. From then onwards, we celebrate this day, we observe this day as Martyrs' day. It was an inspiration for our independence and our father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman participated in this movement and he guided the nation towards independence." In 1999 UNESCO declared the day as international Mothers Language Day. The high commissioner added, "spirit is we should not let any language to die because languages are reservoirs of tangible and intangible heritage of mankind, so we must take care of every language of the world and on this day, I urge let us protect smaller languages especially because they are more vulnerable." The comments on India-Bangladesh ties comes weeks before PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh.

Golden chapter in India-Bangladesh ties underway, says new High Commissioner Muhammad Imran

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday.

“Please reinstate operations of the BTS (Base Trans-Receiver Stations) near the Bangladesh-India border sites immediately,” the email to BRTC read.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar.

However, as many as 10 million people in as many as 36 districts of Bangladesh were affected due to the network shut down. As many as 1500 mobile towers were shut down and that also affected few kilometres area inside the border.

People in six districts of Bangladesh sharing its border with Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya like Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh Rangpur and Rajshahi were largely affected.

Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’.

While Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission asked telecom operators to restore services immediately, nationalised telecom service like Grameenphone and other private telecom operators like Banglalink, Robi and Teletalk have informed authorities that they will take at least one day to fully restore services.

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday.

A day after the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) issued orders of shutting down mobile network in the one-kilometre border of Bangladesh with India and Myanmar, the BTRC issued fresh orders asking telecom operators to restore network on Wednesday. “Please reinstate operations of the BTS (Base Trans-Receiver Stations) near the Bangladesh-India border sites immediately,” the email to BRTC read. On Tuesday, Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission had asked telecom operators to shut down the mobile network in the one-kilometre border areas with India and Myanmar. However, as many as 10 million people in as many as 36 districts of Bangladesh were affected due to the network shut down. As many as 1500 mobile towers were shut down and that also affected few kilometres area inside the border. People in six districts of Bangladesh sharing its border with Indian states of Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya like Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh Rangpur and Rajshahi were largely affected. Bangladesh authorities did not mention reasons for the mobile network shut down in border areas, however, a letter written to the BTRC stated ‘security concerns in the present circumstance’. While Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission asked telecom operators to restore services immediately, nationalised telecom service like Grameenphone and other private telecom operators like Banglalink, Robi and Teletalk have informed authorities that they will take at least one day to fully restore services.

Bangladesh restores mobile network in border areas with India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-strong-ties-with-islamic-countries-says-relations-have-strengthened-269577">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues.&nbsp;

While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened. We have worked with Bangladesh and solved many issues dating back to the partition. Land boundary issue, connectivity, railway, new waterways, expansion of broadband, we are working with Bangladesh shoulder-to-shoulder. "

The comments come days after Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off visits to India in the aftermath of the passage of the Citizenship Amendment law in the Parliament. The law gives citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have arrived in Indian before December 31, 2014.

India, while explaining its position on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, said it was not under the current PM Hasina government. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "no bill will impact the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh".

In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament during the discussion on the Citizenship Amendment bill said, "As long as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was leading Bangladesh, everything worked very well. But once his government went, minorities began to be oppressed. I can tell you that a large number of Bangladeshi Hindus had to come here to seek refuge".

"The current government in Bangladesh is also taking care of religious minorities. It is making arrangements also for the religious minorities but there has been a long period in the past during which people came to India on the account of religious persecution. This Bill is only to give citizenship to those people who came at that time," he had said.

Many high-level visits have taken between India and Bangladesh with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visiting India twice this year. PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh next year around March 17 for the 100th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's 'father of the nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues. While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues. While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened. We have worked with Bangladesh and solved many issues dating back to the partition. Land boundary issue, connectivity, railway, new waterways, expansion of broadband, we are working with Bangladesh shoulder-to-shoulder. " The comments come days after Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off visits to India in the aftermath of the passage of the Citizenship Amendment law in the Parliament. The law gives citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have arrived in Indian before December 31, 2014. India, while explaining its position on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, said it was not under the current PM Hasina government. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "no bill will impact the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh". In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament during the discussion on the Citizenship Amendment bill said, "As long as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was leading Bangladesh, everything worked very well. But once his government went, minorities began to be oppressed. I can tell you that a large number of Bangladeshi Hindus had to come here to seek refuge". "The current government in Bangladesh is also taking care of religious minorities. It is making arrangements also for the religious minorities but there has been a long period in the past during which people came to India on the account of religious persecution. This Bill is only to give citizenship to those people who came at that time," he had said. Many high-level visits have taken between India and Bangladesh with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visiting India twice this year. PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh next year around March 17 for the 100th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's 'father of the nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh ties, says both working shoulder-to-shoulder

Kolkata turns pink for historic India-Bangladesh Test match

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Visit To India Has Been A Much-Anticipated Political Event. Here's What To Expect Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India is a much-anticipated political event. This is Hasina's first visit to New Delhi after assuming office for a third consecutive time. What's on the agenda? @Palkisu summarises.

Gravitas: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina In India: What's On The Agenda

In a bid to boost India's relations with its neighbours, the government has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea, under which Doordarshan India will be available in those countries, while their state channels will be shown on DD Free Dish.

The government has decided to show BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV, on the Doordarshan Free Dish which will be available for the viewers of Doordarshan in India, an official statement said.

At the same time, DD India would be made available in Bangladesh, it said.

"India has entered into an agreement with Bangladesh so that DD India will be shown on Bangladesh TV. In return, Bangladesh's official channel will also be available in India on DD Free Dish. DD Free dish is available in 35 million households," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

The move is part of a robust cultural exchange in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy, he said.

The government has also approved the proposal of Prasar Bharati for making available the KBS World, an English 24x7 channel of the government of the Republic of South Korea on the DD Free Dish for the Indian viewers. Simultaneously, people of South Korea would be able to view DD India in their country.

The arrangement with Bangladesh is as a result of an MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh TV (BTV) May 7, 2019.

BTV World would be of special interest to the viewers of eastern India and the decision marks an important watershed moment in the strengthening of ties between the two countries, the statement said.

The pact comes after an earlier decision taken by the two governments to co-produce a film on Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which will be directed by eminent film director/producer Shyam Benegal.

Talking about the World Yoga Day, Javadekar said the government's decision to honour media houses for their contribution towards promoting healthy living through yoga has been well received and several media houses had shown enthusiasm in promoting the ancient Indian practice.

Javadekar had earlier this month announced 33 awards -- 11 for each newspaper organisations, TV and radio channels. A six-member jury will consider the entries in all 23 official languages.

"This (yoga) has become a public movement in India. We declared one scheme for media houses that have been well received," he said.

"As far as yesterday's decision on a dance reality show is concerned, it has been well received by all sections of the society," Javadekar said, adding that psychologists and choreographers have lauded the move.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked all private satellite TV channels to avoid showing children in an indecent, suggestive and inappropriate manner in dance reality shows or other such programmes.

In a bid to boost India's relations with its neighbours, the government has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea, under which Doordarshan India will be available in those countries, while their state channels will be shown on DD Free Dish.

In a bid to boost India's relations with its neighbours, the government has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea, under which Doordarshan India will be available in those countries, while their state channels will be shown on DD Free Dish. The government has decided to show BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV, on the Doordarshan Free Dish which will be available for the viewers of Doordarshan in India, an official statement said. At the same time, DD India would be made available in Bangladesh, it said. "India has entered into an agreement with Bangladesh so that DD India will be shown on Bangladesh TV. In return, Bangladesh's official channel will also be available in India on DD Free Dish. DD Free dish is available in 35 million households," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said. The move is part of a robust cultural exchange in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy, he said. The government has also approved the proposal of Prasar Bharati for making available the KBS World, an English 24x7 channel of the government of the Republic of South Korea on the DD Free Dish for the Indian viewers. Simultaneously, people of South Korea would be able to view DD India in their country. The arrangement with Bangladesh is as a result of an MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh TV (BTV) May 7, 2019. BTV World would be of special interest to the viewers of eastern India and the decision marks an important watershed moment in the strengthening of ties between the two countries, the statement said. The pact comes after an earlier decision taken by the two governments to co-produce a film on Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which will be directed by eminent film director/producer Shyam Benegal. Talking about the World Yoga Day, Javadekar said the government's decision to honour media houses for their contribution towards promoting healthy living through yoga has been well received and several media houses had shown enthusiasm in promoting the ancient Indian practice. Javadekar had earlier this month announced 33 awards -- 11 for each newspaper organisations, TV and radio channels. A six-member jury will consider the entries in all 23 official languages. "This (yoga) has become a public movement in India. We declared one scheme for media houses that have been well received," he said. "As far as yesterday's decision on a dance reality show is concerned, it has been well received by all sections of the society," Javadekar said, adding that psychologists and choreographers have lauded the move. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked all private satellite TV channels to avoid showing children in an indecent, suggestive and inappropriate manner in dance reality shows or other such programmes.

DD India to be available in Bangladesh, South Korea

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a third consecutive term as the country's premiere on Sunday -- a win that wasn't just predictable but also in favour of India's vision of fostering ties with the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's socio-economic development flourished a great deal under Hasina's decade-long rule and so was the case with the deepening relationship with neighbouring India.&nbsp;

PM Hasina's continuance in power is strategically important for India as her definitive stand on Islamic fundamentalists and extremists echoes with India's security interests.

PM Hasina's leadership has also maintained a sensitive stance toward India’s concerns about the northeast militancy fostered by ISI-backed Islamists operating from Bangladesh during the opposition BNP-Jamaat regime. With PM Hasina assuming power a decade ago, a serious crackdown was initiated which led to a considerable reduction of militancy in Northeastern states like Tripura and Meghalaya.&nbsp;

High-level visits from both sides led to steady growth in the Indo-Bangladesh ties. Last year, the two countries launched a series of developmental projects while complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved.

The construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line were the highlights among all initiatives jointly taken by PM Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart in 2018.

The two countries also inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. However, the issue of Teesta water sharing issue remained unresolved.

But China's play in&nbsp;South Asia's political dynamics cannot be ruled out. China is Bangladesh’s major trading partner and the latter is one of the important determinants in former's key Belt and Road plan.&nbsp;

Earlier last month, a Chinese-Bangladeshi joint venture signed a deal with the Bangladeshi government to build a mega expressway. The project has been pegged as Bangladesh's first major public-private partnership (PPP) initiative aimed at boosting the nation's economic and infrastructural development and promote employment, a Chinese media report stated.&nbsp;

With PM Hasina in for another term, political analysts and experts predict India-Bangladesh ties to further flourish. However, the immediate task at hand for New Delhi is to keep Dhaka away from making any binary choices, especially with China's growing power and influence in South Asia.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a third consecutive term as the country's premiere on Sunday -- a win that wasn't just predictable but also in favour of India's vision of fostering ties with the South Asian nation.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a third consecutive term as the country's premiere on Sunday -- a win that wasn't just predictable but also in favour of India's vision of fostering ties with the South Asian nation. Bangladesh's socio-economic development flourished a great deal under Hasina's decade-long rule and so was the case with the deepening relationship with neighbouring India. PM Hasina's continuance in power is strategically important for India as her definitive stand on Islamic fundamentalists and extremists echoes with India's security interests. PM Hasina's leadership has also maintained a sensitive stance toward India’s concerns about the northeast militancy fostered by ISI-backed Islamists operating from Bangladesh during the opposition BNP-Jamaat regime. With PM Hasina assuming power a decade ago, a serious crackdown was initiated which led to a considerable reduction of militancy in Northeastern states like Tripura and Meghalaya. High-level visits from both sides led to steady growth in the Indo-Bangladesh ties. Last year, the two countries launched a series of developmental projects while complicated issues of land and coastal boundaries were resolved. The construction of the Akhaura-Agartala rail line and the restoration of the Kulaura-Shahbazpur section of railway line were the highlights among all initiatives jointly taken by PM Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart in 2018. The two countries also inaugurated the construction of a 130-km Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur. However, the issue of Teesta water sharing issue remained unresolved. But China's play in South Asia's political dynamics cannot be ruled out. China is Bangladesh’s major trading partner and the latter is one of the important determinants in former's key Belt and Road plan. Earlier last month, a Chinese-Bangladeshi joint venture signed a deal with the Bangladeshi government to build a mega expressway. The project has been pegged as Bangladesh's first major public-private partnership (PPP) initiative aimed at boosting the nation's economic and infrastructural development and promote employment, a Chinese media report stated. With PM Hasina in for another term, political analysts and experts predict India-Bangladesh ties to further flourish. However, the immediate task at hand for New Delhi is to keep Dhaka away from making any binary choices, especially with China's growing power and influence in South Asia. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

With eye on China, New Delhi needs to keep Dhaka away from making binary choices

Former chief justice of Bangladesh Surendra Kumar Sinha, who has sought political asylum in the US, has urged India to support the rule of law and democracy in his country, saying the Indian government should not ignore the will of people by backing the "autocratic" Awami League-led government.

Sinha, 67, the first Hindu Chief Justice of Bangladesh, alleged that he was forced to resign because he opposed the "undemocratic" and "authoritarian" regime.

The Bangladeshi government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has refuted Sinha's allegations and charged him with corruption.

At the launch of his book 'A Broken Dream: Rule of Law, Human Rights and Democracy' here, Sinha told PTI that the Indian government is ignoring the will of the Bangladeshi people by standing solidly behind the Hasina government, which he alleged got itself elected in a "farce election".

"If India supports an autocrat and this autocracy, this terrorism (suppression of people's voices) continues, then one-day people will revolt," Sinha said.

The ruling Awami League has accused him of corruption and misuse of power. Sinha denies those allegations.

"India should not encourage a government which is actually an authoritarian. They should not, because the people are hostile against the government. They (the ruling party) can dominate for one term or two terms. But when the time comes, people will revolt, then certainly India will lose ground (in Bangladesh)," Sinha said.

He acknowledged that India is concerned about the Muslim fundamentalist groups and leaders in Bangladesh.

Responding to the allegations that he is politically motivated, Sinha said he does not have any political ambition. "What I want in Bangladesh is that there should be democracy. There should be rule of law," he said.

In his book, Sinha described in detail the circumstances under which he had to leave the country and resign as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh.

Responding to a question, Sinha said he reached out to the Modi government and other leaders of the ruling party with his issues of concern.

"I went to India and explained to him (Modi) the problems I am facing. I don't know who advised him, he sided with the autocratic government of Bangladesh. In the long-run, India will pay a price for it," Sinha warned.

Sinha claimed in his meetings with the Indian leader, including Modi, he explained to them the problems being faced by the minority Hindus in Bangladesh and the frequent demolition of temples in the country.

"They think if they back Justice Sinha, they may lose Awami League. But ultimately, India may lose Bangladesh," he said, claiming that the ruling party would be handsomely defeated in the event of a free and fair election.

Former chief justice of Bangladesh Surendra Kumar Sinha, who has sought political asylum in the US, has urged India to support the rule of law and democracy in his country, saying the Indian government should not ignore the will of people by backing the "autocratic" Awami League-led government.

Former chief justice of Bangladesh Surendra Kumar Sinha, who has sought political asylum in the US, has urged India to support the rule of law and democracy in his country, saying the Indian government should not ignore the will of people by backing the "autocratic" Awami League-led government. Sinha, 67, the first Hindu Chief Justice of Bangladesh, alleged that he was forced to resign because he opposed the "undemocratic" and "authoritarian" regime. The Bangladeshi government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has refuted Sinha's allegations and charged him with corruption. At the launch of his book 'A Broken Dream: Rule of Law, Human Rights and Democracy' here, Sinha told PTI that the Indian government is ignoring the will of the Bangladeshi people by standing solidly behind the Hasina government, which he alleged got itself elected in a "farce election". "If India supports an autocrat and this autocracy, this terrorism (suppression of people's voices) continues, then one-day people will revolt," Sinha said. The ruling Awami League has accused him of corruption and misuse of power. Sinha denies those allegations. "India should not encourage a government which is actually an authoritarian. They should not, because the people are hostile against the government. They (the ruling party) can dominate for one term or two terms. But when the time comes, people will revolt, then certainly India will lose ground (in Bangladesh)," Sinha said. He acknowledged that India is concerned about the Muslim fundamentalist groups and leaders in Bangladesh. Responding to the allegations that he is politically motivated, Sinha said he does not have any political ambition. "What I want in Bangladesh is that there should be democracy. There should be rule of law," he said. In his book, Sinha described in detail the circumstances under which he had to leave the country and resign as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh. Responding to a question, Sinha said he reached out to the Modi government and other leaders of the ruling party with his issues of concern. "I went to India and explained to him (Modi) the problems I am facing. I don't know who advised him, he sided with the autocratic government of Bangladesh. In the long-run, India will pay a price for it," Sinha warned. Sinha claimed in his meetings with the Indian leader, including Modi, he explained to them the problems being faced by the minority Hindus in Bangladesh and the frequent demolition of temples in the country. "They think if they back Justice Sinha, they may lose Awami League. But ultimately, India may lose Bangladesh," he said, claiming that the ruling party would be handsomely defeated in the event of a free and fair election.

Ex-Bangla chief justice urges India to support rule of law, democracy in Bangladesh