Editor,
The narrative war has begun as tensions between India and Bangladesh are again at their lowest ebb. Sharing a 4,096 kilometre border line, it has always remained a porous one. On this side of the fence, we troubleshoot the problems of illegality in entering a foreign space coupled with cattle smuggling to human trafficking. This time the ballgame has changed for Sheikh Hasina, who after taking shelter since the coup rattled the leadership which she and her father dreamt of. We must survive with our neighbors, considering the world is divided and Donald Trump is tightening visa rules, which according to his understanding can strengthen Homeland Security.
Sinister elements are ruling the roost, anti-India remark from National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah is adding fuel to the fire thus paving the way for a new intelligence war which could shape geopolitics in the region, Bangladesh’s importance as a vital trade route through the Chittagong port, Chinese investments in two ports namely Chattogram and Mongla, Saint Martin’s Island are key assets which India’s laser pointer should be aiming at. Other factors that can break the region is the rise of religious fundamentalism slowly sinking into young minds.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, should not be allowed to influence political parties in Bangladesh through strategic and tactical destabilization in Northeast India. Authors Deep Halder, Jaideep Mazumdar and Sahidul Khokon have weaved strong points for policymakers if they would pay heed in their book ‘Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution’.
Christopher Gatphoh
Via e-mail
