Political transition, trade, trust building likely key topics

Bangladesh may highlight its transition to democracy and reinforcing cooperation on priority bilateral and regional issues at today's maiden summit meet between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Highly placed sources gave the preview Thursday as the two current heads of government are set to have a one-on-one on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit underway in Bangkok.    

There will be an interaction between the two leaders as Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of the BIMSTEC for next two years from this Summit. "It is a tradition that the heads of government the other member-countries meet the head of government of the chair country and hence Modi-Yunus interaction is inevitable," said one diplomatic source.

Both Professor Yunus and Modi flew to Bangkok on Thursday to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and they are scheduled to have a brief  meeting on the sidelines of the forum Summit.

As the ties between the two countries, once dubbed role model of neighbourly relationships, got strained after the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in an uprising, the envisaged meeting has drawn much hype among people of both countries.

According to sources, issues related to political transition and stability, Rohingya issue, trade and economic cooperation, border management, people-to-people contact and regional geopolitics are among the talking points proposed for the parley.

"We have prepared the talking points but whether all of these will be raised or not is dependent on the length of the meeting," says one of the sources.

Bangladesh may acknowledge India's role as that of a trusted neighbour and development partner and reassure that the interim government is committed to democratic transition, stability, and upholding regional peace.

It may also underscore policy continuity in all existing bilateral commitments, especially in security, trade, and connectivity, sources said, citing the topics of talk.

Dhaka is likely to express its readiness to engage in deeper political and economic cooperation and propose convening the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) or Foreign Secretary-level dialogue soon, sources said.

The Bangladesh side may also urge India's active diplomatic role in facilitating safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya, stressing that the crisis is a burden on Bangladesh's economy, security, and social fabric.

In the trade-and economic-cooperation sector, India will be requested for removal of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and enhanced market access for Bangladeshi exports.

Also may be proposed is accelerating progress on BBIN motor-vehicle agreement for trans-border transport, BIMSTEC transport corridors, and energy grid connectivity and resumption of Bangladesh-India cross-border train operations that have been suspended since the August-5th changeover.

Importance of train connectivity for trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties are likely to be highlighted at the meeting.

On the border issue, Bangladesh may call for improved cooperation on border security, with emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties.

There will be suggestions for enhancing joint patrols and information sharing to prevent untoward incidents.

Hot on the heels of huge reductions in issuing visas for Bangladeshis after the August mass upsurge, the Bangladesh side is expected to propose relaxing visa requirements for students, patients, and business communities.

India may specifically be request to introduce more flexible and expeditious visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals, especially for medical, educational, and business purposes.

Headed by Professor Yunus, Dhaka is also expected to express hopes for the beginning of a new chapter of trust and collaboration between the two next-door neighbours.

And a formal invitation is likely to be extended for PM Modi to visit Bangladesh, officials said.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, all are set for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit talks to be held today (Friday) after the setting of stage by the ministerial meet.

The ministerial meeting held Thursday approved the provisional agenda and the draft declaration of the Summit.

Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain participated in the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in the Thai capital, with the participation of the Foreign Ministers from the member-states.

The Foreign Ministers signed the Agreement on BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity.

In his statement, Mr Touhid reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to ensuring collective peace, progress and prosperity through a shared BIMSTEC vision.

He stressed tangible and result-oriented cooperation, including through effective implementation of the BIMSTEC FTA enhancing intra-regional trade.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com