No hostility with India, but Bangladesh’s interests must be protected: Nahid

Bangladesh does not want any hostility or animosity with India, but its interests must be properly protected in relations with its neighbour, said Nahid Islam, chief whip of the opposition in parliament and convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP).He made the remarks at a memorial meeting for Buet student Abrar Fahad at the eight-pillared anti-aggression monument at Palashi in the capital yesterday afternoon. The event was organised by the Abrar Fahad Memorial Council to mark the seventh anniversary of Abrar’s death. He was killed in 2019 after being tortured by members of the then-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.Bangladesh does not want any hostility or enmity with India. But the question is whether our interests are being adequately protected,  Nahid said. He pointed out that Bangladesh and India share several rivers. Although Bangladesh is entitled to a fair share of the waters of these international rivers under international water law, the country has not received its due share over the past five decades, he said.Referring to the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is due to expire in December, Nahid said India has repeatedly expressed its desire for good relations with Bangladesh as a neighbour since August 5, 2024. India must demonstrate the sincerity of that position when negotiating a new agreement on the Ganges water sharing, he said.According to Nahid, simply renewing the existing treaty will not be enough. A new agreement must be reached, while Bangladesh’s participation in the joint management of all shared rivers must also be ensured.He called for a guarantee clause in the Ganges treaty to ensure sufficient water flow to maintain minimum navigability throughout the year. In the event of a shortage during the dry season, the burden should be shared equally by the two countries, he said.Buying Boeing planes alone is not enoughAddressing the BNP government, Nahid said buying Boeing aircraft alone would not be sufficient. What matters is also how the Ganges water-sharing treaty is renewed or replaced and how much Bangladesh can secure its interests in that process, he said.He alleged that although the government uses the slogan “Bangladesh First”, it is failing to adequately safeguard the country’s interests. All international agreements signed by Bangladesh, including the Ganges water-sharing treaty, should be discussed in parliament, Nahid said.Decisions on such agreements must be made by considering the interests of the people, he added.Relations with India must be based on equalityNahid said Bangladesh-India relations must be re-established on the basis of equality and fairness if the ideals of Abrar Fahad are to be upheld. If India genuinely wants good relations with its neighbour, water-sharing agreements on the Ganges, Teesta and all other shared rivers must be based on equality and justice, he said.Recalling Abrar’s killing, Nahid said Abrar had not spoken against the then government or its student wing, the Chhatra League. Rather, he had criticised an agreement between Bangladesh and India concerning the Feni River.Nahid claimed that Abrar was subjected to torture because of those criticisms. He said the nature of Bangladesh’s relationship with India during the Awami League government became evident in part through Abrar’s killing. Demand for swift execution of Abrar murder verdictThe NCP convener called for the verdict in the Abrar Fahad murder case to be executed swiftly after completing all legal procedures.We want to see the death sentences of the killers carried out without delay, he said.If Bangladesh can protect its sovereignty, Abrar Fahad’s soul will find peace, Nahid added.