India_ Bangladesh must focus on small local issues across the border

On the eve of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence_ a senior research fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) under the Ministry of Planning_ Dr. Nazneen Ahmed's statement was highlighted by The Sentinel_ an English daily newspaper from Guwahati_ Assam_ India.

Dr. Nazneen said_ "According to the conventional norms_ discussions between the two countries always focus on big issues. However_ local issues also need to be given prominence which may not be in the headlines_ but affect the daily lives of people living in the border areas. These small initiatives can have a far-reaching impact on building a stable relationship between India and Bangladesh."

Ahmed spotlighted the local benefits of border trade_ which she said should be high on the to-do list. She stressed that 'border haats' must be carved out which can increase markets for local products. Until last year_ there were four 'border haats' - ready markets for people of both sides to mingle together and make purchases.

She added frequency of 'border haats' and trade fairs showcasing products need to be increased.

It is to be noted that there were four such border haats till last year for people from both the countries to meet and shop. She also thinks that the frequency of border hats and trade fairs needs to be increased for the exhibition of products.

"Connectivity will enhance trade relations and an atmosphere of mutual trust and friendship will automatically develop once people on both sides see business opportunities open up. Let's understand money has more impact than politics. As connectivity expands_ new business opportunities will be created and it will resolve existing misconceptions_  Nazneen added.

After nearly 55 years_ rail links between Haldibari in West Bengal and Chilahati in Bangladesh resumed in December.

The two countries are now working out the modalities to open up a bus route between Dhaka and Siliguri. The route is expected to be opened this year. Besides_ India is also looking at fast-tracking the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India Nepal (BBIN) initiative which will boost connectivity among the South Asian neighbours through rail and road.

Though Nazneen Ahmed noted that several thorny issues remain between the two neighbours_ including the issue of water sharing especially related to the Teesta river_ she said the two leaders must focus on the areas that are progressing well.

"I don't see any reason why the two countries should focus on issues that are difficult to resolve_ let us emphasize the things that are working well between India and Bangladesh. The focus should be on new opportunities_" Ahmed noted.

However_ she also added that New Delhi must refrain from taking sudden decisions related to export bans.

Last year_ New Delhi's sudden decision to ban the export of onions to Bangladesh created confusion denting bilateral relations. "It may be a small thing but these small things leave a bad taste and if avoided_ relations will only grow stronger."

Last year_ India had all of a suddenly stopped export of onions. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had also brought the issue at the India Bangladesh Business Forum saying that the sudden ban created problems in her country.