Gowher Rizvi, foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, discussed a plethora of issues, including those connecting Bangladesh and India, days before the country’ general election on December 30. Excerpts:
Bangladesh-India relationship has taken a giant leap forward. But many issues remain unresolved and it is often argued in Bangladesh that India has not done enough.
Geography, history, culture, language and proximity bind the two countries together. Close and cooperative relations between the countries is not just a choice but also an imperative. The relationship is sanctified by shared experience and sacrifice during Bangladesh’s war of liberation. This unique relationship cannot be defined or measured in the language of profit and loss.
In the last decade, the relationship between the two neighbours has reached new heights — almost all outstanding issues have been amicably settled, including demarcation of boundaries; resolution of adverse territorial possessions including ‘teen bigha’ and the enclaves; cross-border purchase of electricity; and joint power ventures. There have been significant Indian private investments in Bangladeshi industries and an untied line of credit amounting to nearly $8 billion has been announced.
Buses are running from Shillong and Guwahati to Kolkata via Dhaka; direct passenger and goods trains have started to operate again; waterways are being renovated to enable commerce through riverine routes; and the agreement on coastal shipping has cut the cost of cargo massively. The benefits of connectivity — road, air, rail, river and ICT — are fostering sub-regional cooperation and bringing benefits to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. We are rebuilding the linkages, especially through river and road, which were destroyed in 1965 Pakistan-India war, and visa regime have been enormously eased. Even though the adverse trade balance prevails, Bangladesh’s exports to India have almost quadrupled in the last couple of years.
There are unresolved issues like Teesta.
The Teesta water agreement has not yet been signed. But it is important to understand that an agreement on water-sharing has been arrived at; and as far as we are concerned, there is no question of re-negotiating the agreement. It could not be signed because of India’s domestic reasons. However, we have been repeatedly reassured by the Indian Prime Minister that the treaty will be signed soon.
There is some concern about Awami League’s alignment before this election with Islamist group Hifazat-e-Islam Bangladesh. Getting closer to such an organization may create problems later. What do you feel?
Hifazat is not a political party but consists of a large number of madrasa students. Obviously, any government will have interest in ensuring quality education in madrasas, to ensure inclusion of secular teaching with science, mathematics, physics, chemistry and english. We are working with Hifazat to broaden the curriculum to ensure that students are not snared into radical and extremist ideologies. But, unlike the Jamaat, Hifazat is not against the creation of Bangladesh. They, unlike Jamaat, do not profess extra-territorial loyalties to other countries.
Then there were the concerns on Saudi Arabia’s funding of about 550 mosques and madrasas...
Instead of talking about any particular country, let me say that we are concerned about unchecked foreign donations coming to the country. We have recently revised the foreign contributions regulations law, like India, to prevent money laundering and funding of activities that undermine our plural, secular and multicultural society.
Yes, we have received funding for the building of some mosques but [the mosques will be] designed in such a way that the space can be used for multiple purposes — they will also provide social space where youth and civil society members [can] interact, make music, debate and organise community activities. They are aimed at creating a liberal, open society.
Regarding elections, Awami League has done a lot of developmental work, but still it seems that the party is under huge pressure. Why?
Elections in Bangladesh are hugely competitive; and it would be surprising if the government did not face a strong opposition. Elections in the subcontinent are noisy and it is good that people can do this. It indicates that there is a democratic space. It is wrong to think that the Awami League promoted development at the expense of democracy. The Awami League is committed to liberal democracy, a secular society, and social justice.
Will the election will be free and fair?
Free and fair elections depend on political and constitutional institutions, and they take time to mature. Sadly, we have been under military regime for long periods which has emaciated our political institutions. Until the institutions are rebuilt, there will be lack of confidence. It takes time for the institutions like the Election Commission to mature. In India, for example, T.N. Seshan played a significant role to give the EC a global stature. We aspire to achieve the same objective.
Jamaat contesting together with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) seems to be a matter of great concern for Awami League and in India.
Jamaat is an integral part of BNP. The two are one and the same. When the Opposition coalition, the Jatiyo Oikya Front, was formed, its chief Kamal Hossain promised that Jamaat will be excluded. But Jamaat members are still contesting.
But you can’t stop someone from contesting the poll if her or his party is not registered with EC?
Bangladesh has a secular polity, while Jamaat advocates theocratic state. The EC has refused to register Jamaat as a political party because its stated objective is in conflict with the Constitution of Bangladesh. Jamaat members are participating under the banner of BNP/United Front. We must understand that the BNP-Jamaat are joined at the hips and have a shared outlook.
Sometime back, it was of concern to India that Bangladesh is getting huge loans and other support from China.
There is absolutely no reason for any concern. Bangladesh’s priorities are political stability, economic progress, elimination of poverty and illiteracy within a democratic process. China is an important development partner of Bangladesh like European Union, Japan and India. Bangladesh will not allow its territory to be used by any foreign power against any other country. Both China and India are aware of this.
On the Rohingya issue, since the signing of the initial agreement, not one refugee has gone back to Myanmar.
It will not happen in few weeks or months and will take time. We are committed not to repatriate the Rohingya unless Myanmar is safe for the return for the refugees. But that does not mean that they can stay here indefinitely. The international community must play a proactive role. Just tossing a few dollars to feed the Rohingya is not enough. Time has come for meaningful sanctions — denial of investment and market access [to Myanmar] and ban on travel and sale of weapons, and holding the military there accountable for genocide.