Assess the positive and negative aspects of India’s relations with Bangladesh.

Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971. It consisted of the partitioned areas of Bengal and Assam from British India. The people of this region resented the domination of Western Pakistan and the imposition of Urdu language. Soon after the partition, they began protests against the unfair treatment meted out to the Bengali culture and language. They demanded autonomy for the eastern region. But the government dominated by the West Pakistan leadership refused their demand. The Pakistan army tried to suppress the mass movement of the Bengali people. Thousands were killed by the Pakistan army. This led to a large-scale migration into India, creating a huge refugee problem for India. The government of India supported the demand of the people of East Pakistan for their independence and helped them financially and militarily. This resulted in a war between India and Pakistan in December 1971 that ended in the surrender of the Pakistan forces in East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh as an independent country.

Positive Aspects of India’s relations with Bangladesh

Relations between India and Bangladesh are based on the moral support given by India during the freedom struggle of Bangladesh. India had to bear the influx of more than 80 lakh refugees. But the rapid change of governments and assassination of Mujib impacted the strong relations between the two.

But still some positive aspects do exist: 

1. Bangladesh is a part of ‘Look East Policy’. 

2. On disaster management and environmental issues, the two states have been cooperating regularly. 

3. A few differences have been resolved amicably. 

4. Both sides are trying to identify the common threats and areas of cooperation.

Negative Aspects of India’s relations with Bangladesh

1. Illegal migration of Bangladesh in the states of India.

2. Dispute over sharing of Ganga and Brahamputra river waters.

3. Islamic fundamentalist groups are against having good relations with India.

4. Bangladesh government has felt Indian government as a regional bully.