Dr. Hasan Yaser Malik
On 5 August, 2024 Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman fled away to India after ruling the country for twenty years. The protests against her government converted into a full-blown mass uprising, which eventually culminated in her resignation and fleeing to India. Since 1971 Awami League had been supporting the pro-Indian and anti-Pakistan guerilla groups known as ‘Mukti Bahinis’ for their covert efforts to get independence from Pakistan by keep a separate job quota for even the generations of ‘Mukti Bahinis’ hence willfully ignoring the rights of other Bangladeshis; who were called as “Razakars” for supporting Pakistan Army during 1971. It is noteworthy that the protesting students have been chanting slogans in favour of Pakistan and for “Razakars”. Now once the people in Bangladesh have ignored the Indian propaganda and have realised the value of Pakistan and true independence; it is the right time to make efforts to revive the relations between the two countries through strategic collaboration in all spheres. This article will suggest a few vital facets of an earlier collaboration. First, is the aspect of Maritime Cooperation, considering the geopolitical and strategic locations of both countries, religious affinity among two nations and possession of over 1000 km of coastline by both Pakistan and Bangladesh it will be prudent to collaborate in merchant and military maritime domains. As far as military naval cooperation is concerned, initially Pakistan and Bangladesh should conduct common naval drills and establish a Naval Fusion Center at Gwadar. Both countries should conclude a naval logistics support agreement and should cooperate in merchant naval sectors. Moreover it will be prudent for Pakistan to learn the value of “Brown Water Navy”; there by making use of rivers for logistics and transportation like Bangladesh. It is noteworthy that Bangladesh Inland Water Transport plays a vital role in national transportation, which has always been a natural and relatively cheaper means of transport. The total length of in land waterway in Bangladesh is about 13,000 km. The network consists mostly of passenger vessels, cargo vessels, tankers, tugboats and dumb crafts. In 2000, the number of registered passenger vessels was 1,868, cargo vessels 2,160, dumb craft 760 and towing vessel 194. Approximately 65% of the country boats are passenger boats and the rest are cargo boats. Inland Waterways of Bangladesh are estimated to carry about 14% annual passengers (87.80 million per year) and 35% annual freight volume. Secondly, it is imperative to know that both countries are part of Chinese venture of Belt and Road Initiative with ramifications far beyond the borders. Bangladesh being is part of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, which was subsequently included as one of the six economic corridors under the Belt and Road Initiative. Such a collaboration between both nations can not only enhance and improve the Chinese BRI but will also meet challenges related to it. Thirdly, considering the global geo-politics, Chinese emergence is global powers, and its concerns in contemporary maritime affairs of Indo-Pacific Scenario, locations of both countries and their right; it will be pragmatic for both Pakistan and Bangladesh to ask for Chinese support to get their rightful portion Andaman Nicobar Islands, which at the time of distribution of sub-continent during 1947, handed over India by British colonial government, India later on with a view to averting political turmoil; declared these islands as its Union Territory in 1956. Presently India has based a Brigade size force with 30 ships moreover will soon commission the new base, called INS Kohassa, about 300 km north of the archipelago’s capital, Port Blair to dominate ‘Six’ and ‘Ten’ degree channels west of Malacca Strait which is vital for Beijing too to avert the US domination. Moreover Pakistan and Bangladesh can assert combined efforts against Indian claims over Bangladeshi Bhola Island. Fourthly, People to People cooperation is one the most vital component of collaboration, and in case of Bangladesh with present scenario it will be easier to develop strong relations between the Muslim citizens of two countries. Sports, student and cultural exchange initiatives will prove to be prudent. More over social and governmental media can play a vital role to enhance people to people and all kinds of collaborations. Pakistan should not waste any more time and must make all out efforts to make use of contemporary friendly scenario in Bangladesh to establish collaboration with Bangladesh.
Writer is Ph. D in International Relations, Fellow Research Member with Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (UK), Member Board of Advisor “The Beacon” Research Journal of Pakistan Navy War College, Fellow Research Member with Environ Monitor, Fellow Research Member with National Foundation for Environment Education & Research, Research Member with ResearchGate, Director Thinkers Forum of Pakistan