What Milestones Did India-B'desh Achieve During PM Hasina's 15-Year Tenure

Dhaka: Banglesh's embattled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled country on Monday after a month-long student protest over reservations in government jobs leing to a situation of anarchy and unrest. Hasina landed at Hindon Airbase on outskirts of Delhi and may seek asylum in United Kingdom, as per reports. 

President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced dissolution of Parliament which was formed after elections in January 2024. Former prime minister and political rival of Sheikh Hasina, Khaleda Zia was also freed from jail following massive protests and unrest across Banglesh.

Ever since Hasina resumed power in 2009, Banglesh has been a key ally of India, witnessing numerous milestones in bilateral relationship ensuring mutual benefits for both nations. 

FTA and Tre Boost:

Banglesh is India's largest tring partner in subcontinent, while New Delhi is Dhaka's second-largest partner, after Beijing. According to Union Ministry of Commerce, ir total bilateral tre amounted to $13 billion in financial year 2023-24. 

Hasina-led government has achieved significant milestones in tre relations between Banglesh and India. Banglesh has become a major market for India's cotton and textile products and also exports petroleum-related products to India. Under  Hasina's tenure, tre between two nations has increased, with India maintaining a tre surplus.

In October 2023, both countries began discussions on a Free-Tre Agreement (FTA) that h significant potential to enhance bilateral tre between two neighbours, according to World Bank. According to a World Bank paper, a Free Tre Agreement (FTA) could potentially boost Banglesh's exports to India by up to 297% and India's exports by 172%. An FTA between two countries will also foster economic benefits for India's neighbour as well. 

Ericating Anti-India Terrorists:

Under leership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangleshi government has successfully ericated anti-India terrorists, transforming country from a former haven for such activities. This has led to a significant decline in terrorism and militancy in norastern region of India, fostering peace and stability. However, with end of Sheikh Hasina's era approaching, re are concerns about potential resurgence of anti-India activities from Bangleshi soil. Previously, Banglesh served as a transit route for weapons supporting various insurgent movements in India. 

Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary of India and envoy to Banglesh has expressed concerns that an unstable Banglesh could contribute to instability in parts of India. 

Ties Closest During Regime 

India-Banglesh ties were closest during Hasina's tenure fulfilling each or's needs and Hasina was seen as Pro-India in international community. Banglesh under Hasina was also central to New Delhi's Vision for subcontinent.  Pakistan and China were desperately trying to establish a regime which would be unfriendly to India.  

As Hasina’s Awami League is out of power, Pro-China and Pro-Pakistan forces will take over government as Khaleda Zia’s BNP along with  Jamaat-e-Islami are likely to form government.  

Under Sheikh Hasina, Banglesh and India have worked closely on various issues, including tre, security, and cultural exchange.

Land Boundary Agreement (LBA): 

One of significant achievements during her tenure was historical Land Boundary Agreement.  In 2015, two countries ratified 1974 Land Boundary Agreement, which resolved longstanding border disputes and involved an exchange of enclaves and solved this old-dece problem.