`Hilsa diplomacy` was not meant to be real diplomacy

PRE-CONDITIONS of a vibrant bilateral relations are often defined in the light of how closely political leaders interact with the masses and what they do to make common people believe that behind the facade of enchanting bilateral state visits they also have unresolved legitimate issues where the public also should participate.

Our Prime Minister’s ‘Hilsa diplomacy’ was noticeable when she cooked for Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in the kitchen at the Rashtrapati Bhaban and prepared steamed Hilsa dish for Indian leaders.

Among others, West Bengal CM Ms. Banerjee had also appreciated such informal gesture. But apart from ‘upper echelon closeness’ – restricted between few members of the two countries ruling elite – visible effort to create people to people contact between the masses of the two countries remained off the scene. Issues like Teesta Water Sharing which is so sensitive to Bangladesh people was off the table. Friendship for people was ignored while party level friendship figured prominently at the visit.

The PM’s visit also saw the signing of some 22 deals and MoUs on different capacities which will surely give a boost to our existing relations with India. However, despite the best of our PM’s efforts, it’s always India to have gained and it is always Bangladesh to have also given more. Bilateral relations are not a one-way traffic where only one gains, and it’s exactly this that left many questions on Bangladesh side.

We have not been able to make India, Hilsha diplomacy or not, take Bangladesh serious for serious diplomacy for India to be just and fair. Diplomacy is never a fishy affair.

Legal experts said, the Modi government could ink the Teesta deal ignoring Mamata’s opposition. According to Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, the Union government has the decision-making power over cross-boundary rivers. It could not be blamed for acting unconstitutionally if it had signed Teesta Water-Sharing Agreement with Dhaka. Writer Avijit Ghosal noted this important point in his article published in the Hindustan Times on last Friday. The Prime Minister Modi does not see the importance of sharing water and be timely.

The gross mistake India is making is ignoring the people of Bangladesh. India has a poor opinion about how the people want to see the relationship between Bangladesh and India. Pleasing government is not necessarily pleasing the people. They have reasons to feel disturbed.