Tripti Nath/New Delhi

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said that the 1.2 million Rohingyas have posed multiple problems for his country and that Myanmar has been using delay tactics on taking them back.

 

Speaking at the Vivekananda International Foundation here on Wednesday, Dr Mahmud acknowledged that he discussed several issues such as security cooperation, Rohingya refugees, sharing of Teesta river waters, in his meetings with the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval and the External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. 

 

Asked if Dhaka raised the issue of Rohingya refugees with the UNHRC, Mahmud said, “We have raised this issue in UNHCR on a number of occasions, in UN fora and the International Court of Justice. This is a problem for Bangladesh. They (Rohingyas) have created many problems- environmental, security problems, etc in Bangladesh and the number of Rohingyas have become double of the local people. We have been going through this discussion for the last seven years so that Myanmar takes them back. Myanmar always says that they will take them back but they are adopting delay tactics. They make a list and then there are delays.’’

 

He said that the 1.2 million Rohingyas from Myanmar’s Rakhine state are now a burden on Bangladesh. “In this respect, we expect assistance and cooperation from India. A case on this issue has been filed at the International Court of Justice and Bangladesh is in touch with India on it.’’

 

He supported India's proposed move to fence its 1,643 kilometre border with Myanmar. "it will be good for India and the region as there is insurgency from Myanmar." In recent weeks, hundreds of people fled from Myanmar to India and Bangladesh.m That is why the Indian government decided to fence the border, he said.

 

Addressing a civil society gathering atbthe VFI, Dr Mahmud said that secularism is one of the main pillars of the Sheikh Hasina led Bangladesh Awami League. “Bangladesh Awami League is  a secular party. That is why that 98 percent of religious minorities in Bangladesh vote for our party." He admitted the presence of "negative and fanatic elements" in Bangladesh who try to destabilize society and said the government acts against them.  

 

He spoke on the theme ‘ Bangladesh-India relations in the last decade.’

 

He contested the viewpoint that the minority population is declining in his country. "In Bangladesh, for less than 300 people, there is one Durga Puja. In West Bengal, for 1,000 people, there is one Durga Puja. Why? Because people have money and government is giving protection. Both minority community and Muslim community are increasing in Bangladesh. That is why the population from 70 million to 170 million today.’’

 

Addressing a gathering of serving and former diplomats and defence service officers, research scholars and media persons,  the minister said the government would certainly like to remove hurdles related to issuance of visas to Indians. “Over the last couple of years, people to people contacts have increased but we still have a long queue in front of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Chittagong and elsewhere in the country of visa seekers.

 

"That long queue is a hurdle in strengthening people to people contact. We have seen long queues at the Bangladesh High Commission here also. We have discussed this issue with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. If visa issuing hurdles are removed, then it becomes easier for the people, then more people will travel from Bangladesh to India and from India to Bangladesh. More cultural exchanges are important so that people beyond the eastern province in India know about Bangladesh.’’

 

He however said right now there is no proposal to make Indians travel to his country visa free.

 

Asked about anti India sentiment in Bangladesh, the minister said, “Earlier, anti-India sentiment was used in election but now this capsule does not work, Now, this is diminishing in  Bangladesh.’’

 

He claimed that Bangladesh had free, fair and peaceful elections despite many hurdles and violence “There was less violence. It was a cold and foggy day for Bangladesh but voter turnout was nearly 42 percent, 10 percent more. It was better than the election turnout of many countries like Portugal, the Czech Republic and Ireland which are members of the European Union."

 

Dr Mahmud who is on the first bilateral visit to India, said that India Bangladesh relationship is bonded by blood. “In 1971, 10 million people fled to India. The Indian people opened their hearts and their borders. Not only that, three million people sacrificed their lives to liberate our country under the leadership of our founding father, Bangabandhu Shaikh Mujibur Rahman, The Indian people and members of the Army also sacrificed their lives. The relationship between India and Bangladesh is not comparable to relationship with any other country.’’

 

He added that Bangladesh will remain eternally grateful to India and its people for supporting them in the liberation of Bangladesh and saving them at a time when people were fleeing from one place to another.

 

Dr Mahmud said that although he was only eight years old (at the time of 1971 war), he has vivid memories of the day- it was December 7- I remember the date, the Indian Army landed and came on foot to our villages and how it was greeted on both sides of the road with water, flowers and food as they had come to salvage us.

 

“I pulled out a radish from the field and gave it to them. An Indian soldier gave me an ‘Atthani’ (a fifty paisa coin) which I kept for many years till I left for higher education and my family moved out.’’

 

He said that India Bangladesh relations have touched new heights. “Under the magical leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has seen all round development. We are witnessing Shonali Adhyaya – golden chapter in our relationship. India Bangladesh relationship is a role model for democracy in the neighbourhood today. India Bangladesh have security cooperation. ‘’

 

He said External Affairs Minister assured him that the talks for renewal of the Farraka treaty would happen after general elections in India.

 

In his opening remarks, VIF Director, Arvind Gupta said that the visit of the Bangladesh Foreign Minister augurs well for India Bangladesh relations. “India and Bangladesh are cooperating in the framework of BIMSTEC, IORA and BBIN.’’

 

The Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on Monday at the invitation of the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He will leave for Kolkata on Thursday evening to attend a reception being hosted by the Deputy High Commissioner. He is expected to call on President Droupadi Murmu on Friday and meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.