BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that if India chooses to provide refuge to a dictator and, as a result, becomes unpopular among Bangladeshis, there is little his party can do to alter that sentiment.

“The people of Bangladesh have decided that relations with India will remain cool, and I must stand with my people,” he said in an interview with BBC Bangla, the second part of which was released today (Oct 7).

When asked about his views on the nature of Bangladesh-India relations, Tarique Rahman said, “Of course, I want my fair share of water, and I do not want to see another Felani hanging on the border. We will never accept such things.”

In response to a follow-up question on whether the BNP would actively raise issues such as water-sharing and border killings, Tarique Rahman said, “No, no, I gave those as examples to illustrate our stance. When I say I want my fair share of water, I mean what is rightfully ours — for our country and our people. And by mentioning the Felani killing, I meant that any harm done to our citizens will not be tolerated.”

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been staying in New Delhi. Over the past year, observers have noted a visible cooling of ties between Bangladesh and India in areas including travel and trade.

When asked whether a BNP government would seek to restore warmer ties, Tarique Rahman reiterated, “If India gives shelter to a dictator and thereby alienates the people of Bangladesh, that’s beyond our control. The people have already decided that relations will remain cold.”

MN/