Time to watch upcoming Bangladesh election and how relation with India unfolds

Sheikh Hasina vowed prior to 2008 election if she comes to power in Bangladesh, she would uproot anti-India terror module in her country and try to reduce insurgency in northeastern region of India.

Bangladesh is going into polls later this month and amid such political rush situation top ranking intelligence officials argue that flare-ups in the east would not be possible to check without Hasina-led Awami League.

An intelligence official said, “She dismantled all known Pakistani assets in Bangladesh.”

After about a decade agencies both in India and Pakistan are engaged in real-time intelligence sharing to combat terror and that would benefit India, hugely.

Meanwhile, India is seeking a fair exercise in Bangladesh.

The official added, “It is more necessary, however, for Ms. Hasina to return to power.”

It is true the return of Awami League in 2008 changed nature of engagement of both the countries dramatically. Several connectivity projects are now in advanced stages of negotiation. Trans-shipment of goods either through roads or ports are in operation. Bus service from Kolkata to the northeast India through Bangladesh has resumed. However, more need to be achieved including power and energy sector cooperation.

Lately tourists flow has increased in Bangladesh and a diplomatic mission in Chennai has been proposed.

India’s first and foremost concern is to maintain stability in the region and about dozen agreements are pending amounting to $10 billion of Indian private investment.

Currently, experts are busy watching the Bangladesh election to see how relationship will unfold between the two countries.