BRICS invitation row upsets Bangladesh? Dhaka puts 101 India agreements under review
BRICS Invitation Row Upsets Bangladesh: India Deals Reviewed
Theindiapostdaily.com – The BRICS invitation row upsets Bangladesh as Dhaka examines 101 agreements and memorandums of understanding signed with India. The review comes amid diplomatic tension over an invitation for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Nurul Islam Moni, chief whip of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party in parliament, said the government was assessing all 101 arrangements after the third sitting of the 13th parliament. Questions have particularly focused on agreements involving access to Chattogram and Mongla ports.
“We are reviewing the agreements, all 101 MoUs. You will get the outcome very soon, very soon,” Moni said.
Port agreements and national interests
Moni did not specify which agreements may be retained, changed or terminated. However, he said the government would move away from commitments it considers unethical and would put Bangladesh’s sovereignty and domestic interests first.
One concern involves an arrangement allowing vessels from friendly countries to use Chattogram and Mongla ports. Moni criticised previous policies that he said gave foreign ships advantages over Bangladeshi vessels at Chattogram port.
The outcome matters for trade, cargo movement and regional connectivity. Bangladesh and India cooperate on transport, transit, commerce, water resources and border issues, so any revisions could affect businesses and communities on both sides of the border.
Why the BRICS invitation caused tension
The BRICS invitation row upsets Bangladesh because India invited Rahman as chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, rather than specifically as Bangladesh’s prime minister.
Dhaka said Rahman would not travel to India for the summit that weekend. Bangladesh’s position is that a first visit by its prime minister to India should take place in a bilateral setting, rather than alongside a multilateral meeting.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit as chair of the grouping. Rahman has also held a separate bilateral invitation to visit India since February, but Dhaka has indicated that the timing and format of such a visit should reflect mutual respect.
“When the environment is favourable, and mutual respect is maintained, bilateral visits will take place. There is no need to rush,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said.
Trade and water talks continue
Kobir said India-Bangladesh trade discussions were continuing positively, although he announced no new development. Ongoing economic dialogue could remain an important channel for managing differences while the agreement review is under way.
Dhaka is also watching the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed in 1996, which is due to expire in December after 30 years. The treaty is significant for Bangladesh because river flows affect agriculture, communities and wider economic activity.
The BRICS invitation row upsets Bangladesh at a sensitive moment, but the two countries still have major shared issues to address. The review of the 101 agreements, future trade talks and the approaching treaty deadline will all shape the next phase of bilateral relations.
Bangladesh-India relations: FAQ
What is Bangladesh reviewing?
Bangladesh is reviewing 101 agreements and MoUs signed with India. The government has not yet said which specific arrangements could be changed or cancelled.
Why are Chattogram and Mongla ports important?
They are key trade and connectivity hubs for Bangladesh. Any change to port-access arrangements could affect shipping, cargo movement and regional commerce.
Why did Bangladesh decline the BRICS Summit invitation?
Dhaka said the invitation was issued to Tarique Rahman as BIMSTEC chair rather than as Bangladesh’s prime minister. It wants a future prime ministerial visit to India to take place through a bilateral framework.
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