Bangladesh launches new India-assisted rail projects and thermal power unit amid opposition protests

NEW DELHI (AP) — India and Bangladesh have unveiled two new railway links and a thermal power plant unit with the aim of strengthening regional connections and ensuring energy security. This announcement comes at a time when Bangladesh is facing opposition protests.

The inauguration of these three development projects was conducted via video conferencing by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India has contributed $47.8 million for a cross-border train link and a $388.92 million concessional line of credit for the Khulna-Mongla port rail line in Bangladesh. Additionally, India has provided $1.6 billion for Bangladesh’s 1,320-megawatt super thermal power project, as confirmed by India’s External Affairs Ministry.

Sheikh Hasina is currently facing street protests from opposition supporters who are demanding her government’s resignation and the appointment of a nonpartisan caretaker to oversee the upcoming general election in 2023. The protests have resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.

While this partnership with India is politically significant for Sheikh Hasina due to regional peace and development considerations, India has not directly commented on the recent unrest. Western countries, particularly the United States, through their embassies in Dhaka, have consistently urged both sides to exercise restraint and find a way to conduct a free and fair election.

China and Russia have criticized the United States for pursuing a dialogue between Sheikh Hasina’s government and the opposition regarding the national election scheduled for January 2023. China is actively involved in several major projects in Bangladesh, while Russia is in the process of constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant.

India and Bangladesh share a deep-rooted historical and cultural bond, with the Bengali language serving as a common thread. Bilateral relations have improved since Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party came to power in 2009. During her visit to India in September 2022, the two countries signed various agreements, including a water-sharing pact and collaborations in space technology and scientific research.

One unresolved issue between India and Bangladesh is the River Teesta water-sharing agreement, which remains a key demand from Bangladesh. Bangladesh also raises concerns over the use of lethal weapons by the Indian border security force, resulting in the killing of suspected smugglers or illegal border crossers. Unauthorized immigration from Bangladesh to India has been a longstanding issue affecting the bilateral relations between the two nations.

Overall, these new railway links and power plant unit mark an important development in India-Bangladesh relations, strengthening connectivity and energy infrastructure in the region.

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Associated Press Writer Julhas Alam contributed to this report from Dhaka, Bangladesh.