Bangladesh elections: BNP promises to end ‘border killings’ by BSF, seeks fair share of cross border rivers

The recent election manifesto released by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has brought to the forefront critical bilateral issues between India and Bangladesh, particularly concerning border management and transboundary river water sharing. These promises, made in the run-up to the general elections in Bangladesh, highlight long-standing challenges that significantly impact India's foreign policy, security, and regional stability. **Background Context and What Happened:** India and Bangladesh share a unique relationship rooted in history, culture, and geography. Bangladesh's liberation in 1971, with India's support, laid the foundation for strong ties. However, over the decades, certain contentious issues have emerged. The BNP, traditionally seen as more nationalist and sometimes perceived as less aligned with India compared to the ruling Awami League (AL), articulated its electoral promises. Key among these were pledges to end 'border killings' allegedly committed by India's Border Security Force (BSF) and to secure a 'fair share' of common rivers with India. Additionally, the manifesto mentioned increased cooperation with Gulf countries, signaling a potential diversification of Bangladesh's foreign policy priorities. **Key Stakeholders Involved:** * **Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP):** As a major opposition party, its manifesto reflects an attempt to garner public support by addressing grievances perceived by certain segments of the Bangladeshi populace. Their stance could dictate future bilateral relations if they come to power. * **Awami League (AL):** The incumbent government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has generally fostered a cooperative relationship with India. The BNP's promises indirectly challenge the AL's handling of these bilateral issues. * **Government of India:** Through the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, India manages its foreign policy and border security. The BSF, under the MHA, is responsible for guarding the India-Bangladesh border. * **Border Security Force (BSF):** The BSF often faces criticism from Bangladesh over alleged 'border killings.' India maintains that these incidents often occur due to aggressive actions by smugglers or illegal cross-border elements, prompting BSF personnel to act in self-defense or to prevent serious crimes, often using non-lethal weapons. * **People of Bangladesh and Border Communities:** These communities are directly affected by border incidents and the availability of river water, making these issues highly emotive and politically sensitive. **Why This Matters for India:** These promises have significant implications for India. Firstly, the issue of 'border killings' impacts India's image as a responsible regional power and can strain diplomatic ties. While India has consistently advocated for non-lethal means and joint border management, incidents continue to occur, often linked to cattle smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. Secondly, the demand for a 'fair share' of common rivers, particularly the unresolved Teesta water sharing dispute, is crucial. India shares over 54 transboundary rivers with Bangladesh, and equitable water distribution is vital for the livelihoods of millions in both countries, especially in India's riparian states like West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. An aggressive stance by a future Bangladeshi government could complicate existing negotiations and impact water security for Indian states. Thirdly, any shift in Bangladesh's foreign policy towards greater engagement with Gulf countries, potentially at the expense of its 'Neighbourhood First' policy focus on India, could have geopolitical ramifications, especially given China's increasing influence in the region. **Historical Context and Related Policies:** The issue of border management has been a persistent challenge along the 4,096-km long India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest land borders in the world. India has been working towards smart fencing and technological solutions to enhance border security and reduce human casualties. On transboundary rivers, the Ganga Water Treaty of 1996, a landmark agreement, successfully resolved water sharing for the Ganga River at Farakka. However, the Teesta River water sharing agreement remains elusive despite numerous rounds of talks, primarily due to domestic political complexities in India, particularly involving West Bengal. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'Act East' policy underscore the strategic importance of Bangladesh, making stable and cooperative bilateral relations paramount. Constitutional Article 51 of India's Constitution, which promotes international peace and security and encourages settlement of international disputes by arbitration, provides the overarching framework for India's approach to such bilateral issues. The BSF operates under the Border Security Force Act, 1968, which defines its powers and duties in maintaining border integrity. **Future Implications:** Should the BNP win the elections and form the government, India-Bangladesh relations could witness a period of increased scrutiny and potentially, diplomatic challenges. The new government might press harder on issues like border incidents and water sharing, possibly leading to a more assertive negotiation stance. This could slow down existing connectivity projects (like the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement) and cooperation initiatives. Regardless of the election outcome, the prominence of these issues in an election manifesto indicates their significance in public discourse in Bangladesh. India will need to continue its robust diplomatic engagement, explore innovative solutions for border management that prioritize human rights while curbing illegal activities, and expedite negotiations on water-sharing agreements to ensure long-term stability and mutual prosperity. Maintaining strong people-to-people ties and leveraging cultural commonalities will also be crucial in navigating any political shifts.