Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed

Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka shares his view with A.B.M Shamsud Doza of The Daily Star on Khaleda Zia's recent visit to India.

The Daily Star (TDS): How do you evaluate Khaleda Zia's recent visit to India?
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed (IA): It is a positive visit; there is no doubt about it. From the BNP's point of view, it had an image crisis that it is responsible for anti-Indian activities, particularly link with ULFA, and the ten-truck arms case. Through this visit, BNP tried to say, very openly, that they will not be a part of such activities. Earlier, in Khaleda Zia's paper published in the Strategic Analysis, she made her position clear about India. In this age of globalisation, it is very difficult for a party to have a supportive attitude towards any militant group, and then think of coming to power and getting blessings from the international community. The international community is wary of any militant group, whatever its colour. This is also important for India and the international community. This is the kind of development which would definitely bring stability in this part of the world.
This visit will also create pressure on the ruling Awami League. There was a suggestion that Awami League would go alone in the coming election given the constitutional amendments they have made, and this is something against which the opposition is going to stage serious agitation. As things are getting polarised and violence is creeping back, Delhi, like the US and the EU, wants participation of all the major political parties in the next polls. The reception India gave to Khaleda Zia as an opposition leader makes it very clear that it wants BNP to participate in the coming election. Earlier, people were thinking that Delhi must be behind Awami League, and that is the reason why Awami League is thinking of going alone and not worrying about opposition parties. That kind of situation does not exist now. This would also deepen democracy, which is required in this region -- one party helping another party to strengthen democracy. If democracy matures, then inter-state relationship will also deepen. And in the process, the entire region would be benefitted.

TDS: Why is India interested in engaging with the opposition party?
IA: There is eagerness from Delhi's side to have amicable relations with all the parties in Bangladesh. The reason behind it is that India wants long-term relationship with Bangladesh, and not a relationship limited to five years. This line of thinking goes well with the kind of investment India is now planning, e.g. the $1billion loan. India wants its investors to strengthen relations with Bangladesh so that it can develop communication to its north-eastern part, and develop that as well.

TDS: Do you think, after this new rapprochement, there will be some development on the outstanding issues between India and Bangladesh?
IA: There is a possibility of having a bipartisan relationship with India. Earlier, relationship with India was kind of black and white. Nevertheless, we have to wait and see because the taste of the pudding is in the eating. BNP's statements have to be matched by its actions. A bipartisan foreign policy is very important for Bangladesh to emerge as a middle-income country. Bipartisan relationship will ensure our stability.
A free, fair and participatory election is the most important thing now. Delhi will be closely observing the election and how the ruling party handles it. For other big issues like Teesta and 1974 Border Agreement we have to wait until India's election is over.

TDS: Previously, BNP played the anti-Indian card to bag votes in the election. Will there be any impact of this changed stance on BNP's election outcomes?
IA: When it comes to election, India is not as important as our domestic politics. From that point of view, BNP has nothing to be worried about. More importantly, they need to demonstrate that they can deliver what has been promised. Secondly, if you look at the history of BNP, the anti-India stand is a very recent one. Ziaur Rahman is the person who actually envisioned Saarc, and wanted to bring India, Pakistan and other countries of this region together for a win-win situation for all. In this era of globalisation even the businessmen who support BNP would not want anti-Indian stand because it does not really help them.