New Delhi believes that the bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and India will not stop even if there is a change of government in Dhaka, Anandabazar Patrika, a Kolkata-based influential daily, reported on Thursday. “From security to trade, The cooperation between New Delhi and Dhaka has enhanced in all sectors since the government of Sheikh Hasina came to power. The Indian leadership frankly acknowledged this in different diplomatic fronts. But, what will happen if there is change of scenario in Dhaka after the elections?” said the report titled ‘No worry if change in Dhaka, says Delhi’.
The Indian External Affairs Ministry claims that even if the opposition comes to the government there is no reason for a halt in the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. An official at the South Block says that not any particular government rather New Delhi has always undertaken bilateral steps considering the development of the people of Bangladesh. In future, this process will go ahead even if Khaleda Zia comes to power in place of Sheikh Hasina.
Sources at the South Block say that while visiting Bangladesh the Indian leaders did not end their task by only meeting Bangladeshi ministers. They also held meetings with opposition leadership including Khaleda Zia as well as representatives of civil society and media. Different bilateral issues have been discussed at these meetings. A message has been given that in the question of foreign policy India does not consider and people’s representative of Bangladesh as excluded.
Besides, the Indian diplomats hope that in the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, the ‘anti-Indian card’ will be played less. New Delhi thinks that there is no scope for any debate about the cooperation India has extended to Bangladesh in last three years. Apart from cigarette and alcohol, India has opened its market for Bangladeshi products and Bangladesh is getting good results. Majority of the voters are aged around 25. They want economic opportunities and they want to build their lives. They do not see the state and society in an attitude of religious hatred. India is willing to give a positive message for the youths of Bangladesh no matter who is in the power.
-With The Independent input
