Bangladesh Terminates Internet Bandwidth Agreement with India
Cancellation of the Transit Deal
Bangladesh’s interim government has ended its internet bandwidth transit agreement with India. The agreement had allowed Bangladesh to serve as a transit point for providing bandwidth to India’s northeastern states.
Reason for Termination
The Bangladeshi Ministry of Telecommunications cited the lack of economic benefits as the primary reason for canceling the deal. The government felt that the agreement no longer served the country’s financial interests.
Impact on Northeast India’s Connectivity
This decision is expected to slow down internet connectivity in India’s northeastern states, which had relied on the agreement to enhance digital infrastructure in these remote areas.
Diplomatic Context and Tensions
The move comes amid efforts to reduce tensions between the two countries, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed in Bangladesh earlier this year. India had strongly supported Hasina’s rule, and she currently resides in New Delhi, despite Bangladesh’s announcement to seek her extradition.
Mohammad Yunus and His Criticism of India
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has condemned what it describes as acts of “Indian aggression,” alleging that India’s actions have been aimed at destabilizing his administration. Yunus, who has faced numerous criminal proceedings under Hasina’s rule, has criticized India for its steadfast backing of Hasina’s government, which he argues contributed to widespread human rights abuses.
Increasing Strain Between Bangladesh and India
The situation has worsened with the arrest of a prominent Hindu priest in Bangladesh on sedition charges, which has added to the growing tensions between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing supporters have called for a more hardline stance against Bangladesh, citing concerns over the treatment of the Hindu minority in the country.
Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement
In the midst of these tensions, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka and met with Bangladesh’s interim government head Mohammad Yunus and his counterpart Shahidul Haque to discuss ongoing issues.
