Sheikh Hasina party's manifesto lays stress on commitment to relations with India
BCCL
Synopsis
Ahead of January 7 national elections, Bangladesh's ruling party, the Awami League, has released an election manifesto, laying sstress on the party's commitment to ties with India.
By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, ET Bureau
Last Updated:
New Delhi: Ahead of January 7 national polls, Bangladesh's ruling party, the Awami Leaguehas released a 108-page election manifesto this week which re emphasises the party's commitment to strengthen ties with neighbouring India and expand cooperation in various sectors in what can be described as a shot in arm for India amid China's attempts to expand presence in Dhaka.
Showcasing its resolve to counter terror, the manifesto states the government's "determination" to prevent the presence of militant, international terrorists, and separatist groups within its territory.
The manifesto states, "the Bangladesh Government will continue bilateral trade and security cooperation with India”. Joint projects including cross-border connectivity, power and energy projects have been hallmark of the partnership.
Key foreign policy achievements, such as "resolving long-standing issues with India through demarcation of land boundaries and exchanging enclaves", are highlighted as cornerstones of the government's successful tenure. It said this has helped in encouraging "continued multilateral cooperation and friendly relations with India".
PM Sheikh Hasina is seeking fourth consecutive term in office and has been one of India’s staunch allies.
The manifesto also puts emphasis on sub-regional cooperation with Nepal-Bhutan-Myanmar. It refers to opening new avenues of cooperation with India, Bhutan, and Nepal for hydropower generation and joint management of common river basins.
The manifesto acknowledges the settlement of maritime boundaries with Myanmar and India as significant accomplishments, unlocking immense potential for the blue economy.
With regard to global powers special emphasis was given to Russia. The Awami League aims to build a "strong friendship" with Russia to expand the energy sector, according to the manifesto.
Regarding ties with China, the manifesto noted Dhaka's willingness to "strengthen relations... in terms of development financing."
The Awami League also called for strengthening relations with ASEAN countries and developing better and closer ties with Australia and Pacific nations.
The manifesto alsopromised "strengthen and diversify development cooperation" with the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada.
The document also referred to the publication of the Indo-Pacific framework in April 2023, aimed at "promoting open, peaceful, secure, inclusive, equitable prosperity for all."
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The manifesto outlines the continuation of policies to "cooperate with India" in areas such as cross-border connectivity, transit, energy partnerships, and equitable water sharing. Showcasing its resolve to counter terror, the manifesto states the government's "determination" to prevent the presence of militant, international terrorists, and separatist groups within its territory.
The manifesto states, "the Bangladesh Government will continue bilateral trade and security cooperation with India”. Joint projects including cross-border connectivity, power and energy projects have been hallmark of the partnership.
Key foreign policy achievements, such as "resolving long-standing issues with India through demarcation of land boundaries and exchanging enclaves", are highlighted as cornerstones of the government's successful tenure. It said this has helped in encouraging "continued multilateral cooperation and friendly relations with India".
PM Sheikh Hasina is seeking fourth consecutive term in office and has been one of India’s staunch allies.
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The manifesto also puts emphasis on sub-regional cooperation with Nepal-Bhutan-Myanmar. It refers to opening new avenues of cooperation with India, Bhutan, and Nepal for hydropower generation and joint management of common river basins.
The manifesto acknowledges the settlement of maritime boundaries with Myanmar and India as significant accomplishments, unlocking immense potential for the blue economy.
ADVERTISEMENT
With regard to global powers special emphasis was given to Russia. The Awami League aims to build a "strong friendship" with Russia to expand the energy sector, according to the manifesto.
Regarding ties with China, the manifesto noted Dhaka's willingness to "strengthen relations... in terms of development financing."
ADVERTISEMENT
The Awami League also called for strengthening relations with ASEAN countries and developing better and closer ties with Australia and Pacific nations.
The manifesto alsopromised "strengthen and diversify development cooperation" with the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada.
ADVERTISEMENT
The manifesto also highlighted Bangladesh's active participation in ten global peacekeeping missions, deploying over 7000 peacekeepers. The manifesto refers to this as a "manifestation of Bangladesh's significant contribution to international peace and security." The document also referred to the publication of the Indo-Pacific framework in April 2023, aimed at "promoting open, peaceful, secure, inclusive, equitable prosperity for all."
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