Summary:
- Bangladesh’s FY2024-25 budget may be reduced by over Tk 50,000 crore, primarily cutting the Annual Development Programme (ADP) allocation due to slowed project implementation and political instability.
- Rising interest payments and subsidy arrears in power, energy, and fertilizer sectors are increasing pressure on the revenue budget.
- The IMF may impose conditions, including clearing arrears, for Bangladesh to secure $6 billion in loan commitments from development partners.
- Experts emphasize prioritizing essential projects and addressing inefficiencies while avoiding cuts to operating budgets to stabilize the economy.
Dhaka, December 8, 2024 — A six-member delegation from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations submitted a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka today, protesting the recent attack on Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura. The incident, which involved vandalism and alleged desecration of the Bangladeshi national flag, has further strained relations between the two neighboring countries.
The delegation, representing three BNP-affiliated groups—Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal—delivered the memorandum to Narpat Singh, Security Officer and Counselor at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka’s Baridhara area. Brigadier General Manmeet Singh Sabharwal, India’s Defense Attaché, was also present during the handover.
The representatives included Monayem Munna and Nurul Islam Nayan, President and General Secretary of Jubo Dal; S.M. Zilani and Rajib Ahsan, President and General Secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal; and Rakibul Islam Rakib and Nasir Uddin Nasir, President and General Secretary of Chhatra Dal. They arrived at the High Commission around 1:00 PM after a march that began earlier in the day near BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan.
The protest march faced police resistance near Rampura Bridge, prompting the delegation to proceed separately to submit their memorandum. The document condemned what it described as a “pre-planned attack” on Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in Agartala and accused Indian authorities of failing to prevent the incident. It also criticized what they alleged to be efforts to incite communal unrest in Bangladesh.
This diplomatic protest follows a series of escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024. The vandalism at Agartala’s diplomatic mission earlier this week sparked outrage in Dhaka, with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a strong statement condemning the attack. India has since expressed regret over the incident and increased security for Bangladeshi missions within its borders.
The political climate between the two nations has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Relations were notably warmer during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, as her government was seen as an ally sensitive to India’s security concerns. However, her ousting has led to rising anti-India sentiment within Bangladesh, driven by allegations of minority persecution and political instability.
The situation has had tangible consequences for cross-border relations. Trade disruptions have been reported as Indian truckers halted operations with Bangladesh amid growing tensions. Additionally, cross-border travel has declined sharply, with flights between Kolkata and Dhaka reportedly halving since July.
As both nations prepare for foreign secretary-level talks on December 9, there is widespread speculation about whether these discussions can ease tensions or further expose the growing rift. For now, today’s protest underscores how deeply intertwined political developments are with regional diplomacy—and how precarious the balance remains between these two historically connected neighbors.
Source: Daily Inqilab
