14 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

International RelationsNEWS

BNP prioritizes Ganga treaty, Hasina issue with India

BNP government to prioritize Ganga waters treaty renewal, address Hasina's presence in India.

The BNP, led by its chairman Tarique Rahman, is set to return to power in Dhaka after two decades, following a landslide victory in the parliamentary election. BNP sources said India should urgently deal with the issue of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence on Indian soil as Ms. Hasina has been making comments about the developments in her country.

Out of all issues, it is the border killings by the Border Security Force of India that creates great difficulty for the Government of Bangladesh. The other big issue that will have to be prioritised is the renewal of the Ganga Waters Treaty that will have to be renewed before December 2026. The number of medical visas that are issued by India are inadequate and that India must relax medical visas as it is a great people-to-people connector.

Key Facts

The BNP is set to return to power in Dhaka after a landslide victory.

Tarique Rahman leads the BNP.

Border killings by the Border Security Force of India create difficulties for the Bangladesh government.

The Ganga Waters Treaty needs to be renewed before December 2026.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: International Relations - Bilateral relations, agreements, and their impact

GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions - Policies affecting neighboring countries

Potential for questions on water sharing agreements, border disputes, and regional cooperation

In Simple Words

After an election in Bangladesh, the winning party, BNP, has some requests for India. They want India to talk about a treaty on sharing water from the Ganga river. They also want India to address the issue of a former Bangladeshi leader living in India.

India Angle

For India, this means potentially renegotiating a water-sharing agreement that affects states like Bihar and West Bengal. It also raises questions about how India handles political figures from neighboring countries who seek refuge here.

For Instance

Think of it like neighbors sharing a common water source. If one neighbor changes, the new neighbor might want to renegotiate how the water is divided to better suit their needs.

This affects water availability for farmers, the cost of goods, and overall relations with a country that shares a long border and cultural ties with India.

New government, new priorities: Bangladesh's BNP wants to talk water and political presence with India.

Visual Insights

Key Locations in India-Bangladesh Relations

Map highlighting key locations relevant to the news, including Dhaka, Delhi, and the Ganga River.

Loading interactive map...

📍Dhaka📍Delhi📍Ganga River (Farakka Barrage)

More Information

Background

The relationship between India and Bangladesh has deep historical roots, stemming from the 1971 Liberation War. India played a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh's independence, which laid the foundation for future cooperation. However, managing shared resources like rivers has always been a sensitive issue. The Ganga Waters Treaty is a key example of this, aiming to share the waters of the Ganges River fairly. Border management and security concerns also remain important aspects of the bilateral relationship. Over the years, India and Bangladesh have strengthened their ties through various agreements and initiatives. These include cooperation in trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange. The Land Boundary Agreement of 2015 resolved long-standing border disputes and demonstrated a commitment to peaceful resolution of issues. However, challenges persist, such as border killings and the sharing of water resources from common rivers. These issues often require careful negotiation and diplomatic efforts. Several agreements and mechanisms are in place to address these challenges. The Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) is a key mechanism for discussing water sharing issues related to common rivers. Regular dialogues between border security forces aim to reduce tensions and prevent incidents of border killings. The two countries also cooperate on issues such as counter-terrorism and combating cross-border crime. These collaborative efforts are essential for maintaining a stable and friendly relationship. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy prioritizes strong relationships with neighboring countries, including Bangladesh. This policy emphasizes cooperation in various sectors and mutual respect for each other's concerns. Bangladesh is also an important partner in India's regional connectivity initiatives, such as the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) initiative. Strengthening ties with Bangladesh is crucial for India's strategic interests in the region.

Latest Developments

Recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations include increased cooperation in areas such as trade and connectivity. Several initiatives are underway to improve infrastructure and facilitate cross-border trade. The focus is on enhancing economic ties and promoting people-to-people contact. However, concerns remain regarding issues such as water sharing and border management.

The issue of water sharing, particularly concerning the Teesta River, remains a point of contention. Negotiations are ongoing to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Both countries recognize the importance of addressing this issue in a fair and equitable manner. The Joint Rivers Commission continues to play a crucial role in facilitating these discussions. Finding a solution that benefits both countries is a key priority.

Looking ahead, India and Bangladesh are expected to further strengthen their cooperation in various sectors. This includes areas such as energy, technology, and education. The focus will be on building a stronger and more resilient partnership. Both countries recognize the importance of working together to address common challenges and promote regional stability. Continued dialogue and engagement are essential for maintaining a positive trajectory in the relationship.

India's approach to Bangladesh is also influenced by regional dynamics and geopolitical considerations. Bangladesh's strategic location makes it an important partner for India in promoting regional connectivity and security. India is committed to supporting Bangladesh's development and prosperity. The relationship is expected to evolve further in the coming years, with a focus on deepening cooperation and addressing shared challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key issues that the BNP government in Bangladesh is likely to prioritize in its relationship with India?

The BNP government is likely to prioritize the renewal of the Ganga Waters Treaty before December 2026 and address the issue of Sheikh Hasina's presence in India. Border killings by the Border Security Force of India will also be a point of concern.

2. What is the Ganga Waters Treaty, and why is its renewal important for India-Bangladesh relations?

The Ganga Waters Treaty aims to share the waters of the Ganga River between India and Bangladesh. Its renewal is crucial for maintaining friendly relations and ensuring equitable water distribution, which directly impacts agriculture, livelihoods, and overall cooperation between the two nations.

3. How might the issue of medical visas impact the relationship between India and Bangladesh, according to the BNP?

The BNP believes that the number of medical visas issued by India is inadequate and that India must relax medical visa policies. This is considered a people-to-people issue, and addressing it could improve goodwill between the two countries.

4. What is the historical background of India-Bangladesh relations that is relevant to current issues?

India-Bangladesh relations have deep historical roots stemming from the 1971 Liberation War, where India played a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh's independence. Managing shared resources like rivers has been a sensitive issue, exemplified by the Ganga Waters Treaty.

5. What are the key facts about the Ganga Waters Treaty that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

The Ganga Waters Treaty is an agreement between India and Bangladesh to share the waters of the Ganga River. It needs to be renewed before December 2026. Understanding the treaty's purpose and renewal timeline is crucial.

6. How could the BNP prioritizing the Ganga Waters Treaty and Sheikh Hasina's presence in India impact common citizens in both countries?

Prioritizing the Ganga Waters Treaty could lead to better water distribution, benefiting farmers and improving livelihoods. Addressing Sheikh Hasina's presence might ease political tensions. Relaxing medical visa rules would allow more Bangladeshis to access Indian healthcare.

7. What difficulties are created for the Bangladesh government due to border killings by the Border Security Force of India?

Border killings by the Border Security Force of India create difficulties for the Bangladesh government by straining relations, causing public anger, and raising human rights concerns. This issue often becomes a point of contention in bilateral discussions.

8. What are the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations that provide context for the BNP's stance?

Recent developments include increased cooperation in trade and connectivity, with initiatives to improve infrastructure and facilitate cross-border trade. However, concerns remain regarding water sharing and border management, which the BNP is likely to address.

9. How might the BNP's approach to India differ from the previous government's approach, based on the information available?

Based on available information, the BNP seems to be prioritizing the Ganga Waters Treaty renewal and addressing the issue of Sheikh Hasina's presence in India more urgently. The BNP may also take a stronger stance on border killings and medical visas.

10. What are the important issues to consider when analyzing India-Bangladesh relations for the UPSC Mains exam?

Key issues include water sharing (Ganga Waters Treaty), border management (border killings), trade and connectivity, and political relations. Analyzing the historical context and current developments is crucial for a comprehensive answer.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ganga Waters Treaty: 1. It is an agreement between India and Bangladesh concerning the sharing of water from the Ganga River. 2. The treaty was signed in 1996 and is valid for a period of 30 years. 3. The treaty includes a clause for renewal before its expiry in December 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The Ganga Waters Treaty is indeed an agreement between India and Bangladesh regarding water sharing of the Ganga River. It was signed in 1996 and is valid for 30 years. The treaty also includes a clause for renewal before its expiry in December 2026, as mentioned in the news summary.

2. Which of the following issues has historically created difficulties in India-Bangladesh relations, as indicated in the news summary?

A.Trade imbalance between the two countries
B.Border killings by the Border Security Force of India
C.Cultural exchange programs
D.Cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts

Show Answer

Answer: B

The news summary explicitly mentions that border killings by the Border Security Force of India create great difficulty for the Government of Bangladesh. While other options might be relevant to India-Bangladesh relations, they are not highlighted as a specific source of difficulty in the given summary.

3. In the context of India-Bangladesh relations, what is the significance of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015?

A.It established a free trade zone between the two countries.
B.It resolved long-standing border disputes and facilitated land exchange.
C.It initiated joint military exercises between the two nations.
D.It focused on cultural exchange programs and tourism promotion.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) of 2015 is significant because it resolved long-standing border disputes between India and Bangladesh. It facilitated the exchange of enclaves and addressed complex issues related to border demarcation, contributing to improved relations and stability in the region.