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Dhaka, Delhi should focus on outstanding issues 

Published : Sunday, 25 August, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 1278
Subail Bin Alam
No one can understand the feelings of Bangladeshis for our second independence. Yes, independence - can you imagine how much oppression we faced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina? No one can imagine. From the 15th of July, almost every family cried for the students; they tried to provide money, water, medicine, and whatever they could. At least one person from every family attended the movement. 

People experiencing poverty were the most acutely victimised, and they were also at the forefront of the movement. Police were firing; the students resisted. The student wing of the Awami League attacked, and the students fought back and went toe-to-toe with them. We felt like Gaza. People living abroad tried everything possible to support this mammoth task at home and overseas. Can you feel the intensity? Not possible. Living in an ideal state, you cannot understand our feelings; you cannot comprehend the sentiments of the people's movement. Your police or political wings are not firing at your people. You are not accustomed to military intervention; therefore, you always misinterpret our people's emotions.

India is the largest democratic country. However, it supported the destruction of our democracy. In 2014, the BNP boycotted the one-sided and rigged parliamentary election. Jatiya Party declared a boycott of the election. Sujata Singh, the then-Indian Foreign Secretary, met former President HM Ershad to convince him to attend the election. Is it not interference in Bangladesh? The problem started at that time. Bangladesh Awami League began to engage in enormous corruption and money laundering. They laundered over 100 billion USD within this time, five times larger than our present reserves. They turned the police into a militia to eliminate the opposition. 

They used RAB as another killing machine and an instrument of enforced disappearance. Their propaganda machine divided the people into two groups: with or against us. If you oppose them, you are doomed. Your fate is at their mercy. You will be treated as inferior. Whenever they faced challenges, there were attacks targeting minorities. Throughout India, they have consistently backed the league, enabling the continuation of violence and corruption.

Netra News did excellent work. They counted 2,597 death reports over 13 years from extrajudicial killings. The actual figure is higher. The BDR massacre and the Hefazot massacre have not been included, and unreported deaths have been disregarded. They established a torture centre called 'Aynaghar', where many abducted individuals were detained and subjected to punishment. I believe none of my Indian friends are aware of this. They should have urged the government to halt this atrocious activity if they were aware. 

What did India do during that tenure? We have two requests: no fire at the border and Teesta water. And we get none. Between 2000 and 2020, 1236 Bangladeshis were killed near the Bangladesh-India border. And we have yet to get any water from the Teesta River. But we have fulfilled almost every requirement of India. Bangladesh is now the 4th largest remittance provider and one of the most prominent destinations of Indian exports. Business disputes between India and Bangladesh amount to 7160 million USD. Bangladeshis are spending around 1 billion USD on tourism and treatment. We provide the transits and ports with whatever we require but have received nothing - no democracy or freedom of speech.
India supported the Awami League in 2018 and 2024. While most countries complained about autocracy, India endorsed it unquestioningly, treating it as an internal matter. According to Ain o Shalish Kendra, over 3710 incidents were reported between 2013 and September 2021, most involving local Awami League leaders. But why did India react this time?

According to the BBC Bangla report, minority leaders have reported 205 incidents. However, visiting Indian Twitter reveals a flood of fake news, potentially reaching 99%. BBC Al Jazeera verified the incidents and uncovered many false claims. Primarily, the victims are Awami League leaders who were tortured during the League's tenure. Are there any reports of deaths related to this? Fact-checkers have also debunked numerous propaganda reports.

Can you imagine that after a fierce fight where the Awami League killed more than 1000+ students, we are focusing on minorities? As activists, we first send information to all our connections to protect minorities. There was no police or security at that time. However, students formed small groups with political leaders to provide protection. That was our primary duty. Is it possible for Muslims in India? I doubt it.

We plan to create a united nation where no one will be recognised based on religion or political leaders. I have many minority friends who are also celebrating the downfall of the Awami regime. Professor Yunus assumes responsibility. He is capable of resolving this issue. Those who committed such acts will be punished.

Now, our request to the Indian government: Can you understand the failure of your foreign policy? I think NO! Between 2000 and 2020, at least 1236 people were killed because of the direct shooting of BSF, and 1145 people were injured. This is one of the deadliest borders in the world. In the dry season, India is not giving us the water. But they opened the gate of the dam in Tripura without informing us. The sufferers are not less than a crore. 

Friendship involves people, but you always confine all your efforts to a limited scope. This approach has led the government to become autocratic. Consequently, you have faced setbacks in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh. Please consider the perspectives of the people in those countries. We desire India as a friend but not as a coloniser. Resolving the outstanding issues with Bangladesh could begin a strong friendship. Additionally, preventing Sheikh Hasina from orchestrating terrorist activities from overseas is crucial. Bangladesh is eager to progress; isIndia willing to reciprocate?

The writer is a columnist


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