Shafiqul Islam
The India is biggest neighbor of Bangladesh. The two countries have a deep relationship for a long time. In particular, India’s contribution to the war of independence of Bangladesh is undeniable. Efforts are being made to develop relations between the two countries in various ways and develop relations with various political parties and individuals, from trade and commerce to diplomacy to the government level. Meanwhile, the BNP, which has not been in power for more than a decade, is keen to deepen ties with India, party sources said.
Explaining the anti-India stance, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that all the unilateral agreements were reached in the interest of India during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Delhi more than once. That is why they are protesting. Friendship is not unilateral. Friendship is two-way traffic. There must be equality, there must be fairness in give and take relationship. There we see a big shortage. Nothing was done about the Teesta treaty. But suddenly water was given from Feni river. It has created suspicion. BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi further said that the people of Bangladesh think that it is not friendship between the people of the two countries, but they are taking a political party into confidence and making them do things against the interests of the country. In that case, we are highlighting the reaction of the people of Bangladesh.
As part of the good relations between the two countries, the Observation Research Foundation of India (ORF) organized a seven-day program titled ‘India Week’ two years ago. A delegation of 25 young leaders and young parliamentarians from Bangladesh took part in the program held from 10 to 16 March 2019. During the week-long program, the members of the delegation had the opportunity to meet and exchange views with various important personalities including President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The young generation leaders of several political parties including Awami League, BNP, Jatiya Party were represented in it. On behalf of the BNP, the delegation included Shama Obaid, Organizing Secretary of the Faridpur Division of the BNP and Nazrul Islam Azad, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs.
Nazrul Islam Azad holds an MBA in Commerce from Computer Science in Bangalore, India. Joining the politics of Juba Dal, he got the post of International Secretary and Co-International Affairs Secretary of BNP in the 6th National Council in 2016. He recently spoke openly about the BNP’s international relations.
Replying to a question, Nazrul Islam Azad said the purpose of the program was to encourage the young and emerging leaders of Bangladesh through experience and exchange of views. To further strengthen and improve the existing relations with the two countries. Answering the question, he said, BNP is never against the goodwill of India but BNP’s good relations with India are very old. During his tenure in the BNP government, besides maintaining good relations with India, he was more focused on developing these relations. India’s relationship with the BNP is still the same as it was when he was in government. Various initiatives are being taken to strengthen this relationship. We firmly believe that India will build good relations with the people of the state, not just any party or individual.
