In 1996 Awami League came to power and soon after the Ganges treaty was signed. This helped to overcome the blow to the relations and the stage was set to rebuild that trust and confidence.
Over the past 12 years Bangladesh has gone all out to alleviate all of India’s concerns. In exchange, unfortunately, India has visibly done very little. No matter what complimentary statements are issued by the two governments, this lack of reciprocation has had an adverse impact on the public mind in Bangladesh.
The lack of tangible trust and confidence is not conducive to sustainable friendly relations. Both countries must set their minds to address the deficiencies, but in today’s context, the responsibility lies more with India.
Analysts often say that Bangladesh-India relations have passed the test of time. There is substance to this statement. However, time flows like a river and the test of time is also a continual process. This must not be forgotten.
* Touhid Hossain is a former foreign secretary of Bangladesh. This report, appearing in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir
