Inside Thought

Bangladesh-India historic relations at a new height


Thumbnail

No positive and long-standing results come out from a short-time relationship. This is much more complicated in politics and diplomacy. Only a few countries can maintain a very good relationship with their neighbors. However, the relationship between Bangladesh-India is exceptional. The relationship between these two neighbours stands on a historic milestone.

Former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was a true friend of Bangladesh. Her contribution to the Liberation War of Bangladesh will be remembered forever. She not only recognised Bangladesh as an independent country on December 6, 1971 but also fought at the United Nations for Bangladesh. She was also active in the battleground. Indira Gandhi had given shelter and provided food to the Bangladeshi refugees. She visited the refugee camps during the war on foot. She wants to know the weal and woe of the Bangladeshi refugees at the camps and stand beside them.

Indira Gandhi had arranged arms and training for the freedom fighters. She helped Bangladesh a lot during the Liberation War. Her positive mind even did not change after the victory of Bangladesh on December 16. She accepted every request of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a true friend.  During his first meeting after the Liberation War, Bangabandhu requested Indira Gandhi to bring back Indian soldiers from independent Bangladesh. Indira Gandhi accepted it immediately. Many Indian diplomats and journalists became astonished seeing Indira Gandhi’s immediate response to Bangabandhu.  But nothing can be better than a true friendship. Indira Gandhi proved this repeatedly in his life. She was a true friend of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu did not sacrifice anything to any country in the context of just liberated Bangladesh’s rights and self-esteem. Indira Gandhi saw the massiveness of Bangabandhu to the world positively. There was no misunderstanding anywhere. She talked to Bangabandhu with respect. Even there was no negative impression was created between them as Bangabandhu joined the OIC summit. Bangabandhu was also a true friend of India like Indira Gandhi. He maintained positive diplomatic relations with India forever.

On February 6, 1972, Bangabandhu was given a gala reception at Kolkata Brigade Parade Ground. In his speech at the reception, Bangabandhu said, “The relation of Bangladesh-India will remain forever. No power of the world can separate this relation.” The main base of this historic relation is our great Liberation War. Mujib-Indira had taken the relationship to a new destination following the liberation of Bangladesh. The first meeting of Mujib-Indira is widely discussed in today’s history. Bangabandhu was given a mass reception after his landing at Delhi Airport on January 10, 1972. Tens of thousands of people thronged Delhi streets to see the great hero of Bangladesh at a glance. Former Indian President   Varahagiri Venkata Giri, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her cabinet members were present at the airport to welcome Bangabandhu. The united way of the two countries had started on that day after a meeting of Mujib-Indira. Mujib at first told Indira to take back the Indian army from Bangladesh and later expressed his gratitude to India for helping Bangladesh’s Liberation War. In Delhi, Bangabandhu said, “The people of Bangladesh will never forget the help of your prime minister, your government, your army, and your people.”

Bangladeshi people still remember Indira Gandhi with respect. She stood beside the people of Bangladesh after the assassination of Bangabandhu on August 15, 1975, to hold the spirit of the Liberation War.  At that time, Indira Gandhi stood beside the two daughters of Bangabandhu. She had given political asylum to the two daughters of Bangabandhu. She had given a job to Dr. Wazed Ali Miah, spouse of Sheikh Hasina. A book written by Dr. Wazed Ali Miah described the incident in detail.

Since the assassination of Bangabandhu, the relationship between Bangladesh and India has had ups and downs at various times. This relationship got a new shape after the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India in 1996. The treaty was signed by the strong diplomatic effort of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She brings back the relationship between the two neighbours in a positive manner after the demise of Bangabandhu. Sheikh Hasina made the relationship bringing some important issues on the frontline which represents the country’s interests.

Besides Sheikh Hasina, two more persons will have to be remembered for strengthening the Bangladesh-India relationship. They are late Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Former West Bengal’s Chief Minister Jyoti Basu. These two persons are involved with Bangladesh. Pranab Mukherjee’s father-in-law’s home in Bangladesh’s Narail. Bangladeshi people always eye him positively. On the other hand, he was also a real friend of Bangladesh forever. I met Pranab Mukherjee several times. He used to say that the relationship between India-Bangladesh is bonded with blood. This relationship was created during the great Liberation War. This relationship will stay always. He was right. Changing a friend is very common. But changing a neighbour is not possible. The stance of Bangladesh is very important to the world due to its geographical position. Pranab Mukherjee always talked about the respectful evaluation of India-Bangladesh relations. He played an important role to remove the bilateral crisis between the two countries. He never wants to delay resolving the crisis. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has a personal relationship with the family of Pranab Mukherjee. Pranab Mukherjee and his wife both of them had a deep affection for Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.  Pranab Mukherjee played the role of guardian of Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana after the August 15 carnage.

Jyoti Basu had a similar love for Bangladesh as like as Pranab Mukherjee. He responded to the call of Sheikh Hasina to sign the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. Jyoti Basu’s ancestral home is Bardi village under Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj district in Bangladesh. He always remembers this and used to maintain a very good relationship with Sheikh Hasina.

After the 2001 national elections in Bangladesh, the relationship between Bangladesh-India slightly went down. This relationship got a new dimension later after the assumption of power by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She brings back the glory of the historic relationship with India by following her father. Bangabandhu had given us liberation and his daughter had given us development and prosperity. Bangladesh is now in a new seat of glory in the world. This success becomes possible due to economic and diplomatic policies taken by Sheikh Hasina. A US diplomat termed Bangladesh a ‘bottomless basket.' Sheikh Hasina responded by strengthening the economy of the country. She has shown the world that Bangladesh can and Bangladesh could. Today countries like the United States are praising the development of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is now a surprise to the whole world. There is only one hero of the growth of GDP during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. She is Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh has achieved a milestone of development led by Sheikh Hasina.

Sheikh Hasina knows the magic to take forward the country by facing hard reality. She has taken the challenge of the economy during the Russia-Ukraine war. Bangladeshi economists said the global economic crisis can’t hit Bangladesh because there is philosophical and steadfast leadership by Sheikh Hasina to tackle the economic challenges. She is taking forward the country through her courageous leadership and will take it in future. She not only enriched the country’s economy but also showed her success in diplomacy. That is why; Sheikh Hasina’s positive diplomacy is being praised worldwide.

Sheikh Hasina’s big success is that she has taken Bangladesh-India relations to a new height. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Bangladesh several times.  He sat in bilateral meetings with Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister also sat in meetings with Narendra Modi during her India visits. These bilateral meetings are taking forward the relations between the two countries. These meetings have created positive hope among the people of both countries. They think both parties will have to sacrifice to continue the relationship and remove all existing crises. People-to-people contact will have to be increased in both countries.

The long-standing problems and crises between Bangladesh and India will have to be resolved visibly. The confidence will have to be boosted in both countries by resolving all problems. The people of Bangladesh believe that the government of Narendra Modi is in a positive stance like Sheikh Hasina. The relations between the two neighbouring countries will go forward more by Sheikh Hasina's important and meaningful visit to India. It will make a deep bridge in the relationship between Bangladesh and India.


Comment


Inside Thought

Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, BMRC is at the forefront of research


Thumbnail

The Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emphasized that healthcare and its improvement were crucial for the development of the country. He believed that without advancements in healthcare and its infrastructure, and without people having the right to good health, building the nation would not be possible. Therefore, Bangabandhu formulated a beautiful policy framework at that time, which was both modern and scientifically sound. Most importantly, her daughter the visionary statesperson Sheikh Hasina has been implementing those policies in the same manner as Bangabandhu initiated, based on his foundational principles.

Bangabandhu's healthcare system was not only centralized in the capital, but it also extended to districts, police stations, unions, and even village levels. What we now call community clinics was Bangabandhu's dream. At that time, Bangabandhu could not implement the community clinic. However, today, his daughter, the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has successfully completed this initiative, setting a global example. Recognized by the United Nations as 'The Sheikh Hasina Initiative,' it stands unparalleled in the annals of world history, with no other individual having such a resolution named after them. 

After independence, the healthcare system was completely disorganized and inadequate. At that time, Bangabandhu elevated the status of doctors to first class. There was no higher education or research opportunity for doctors after MBBS. Bangabandhu then established the IPGMR. Today, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina it is Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, holding a prominent position as an academic institution and its reputation has spread globally as well.

After the assassination of Bangabandhu in 1975, BMRC was a toothless, spineless, dormant institution. When Sheikh Hasina took charge of the state, she handed over the responsibility of BMRC to Professor Dr. Syed Modasser Ali. BMRC is today a pioneer in research under the guidance of the Philosophical Statesperson Sheikh Hasina. But we have no chance of complacency. A few days ago, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed doctors to focus on research work. She is very interested in herself. In all fields of research only doctors seem to be a little weak in this regard. Hon'ble Prime Minister is ready to do whatever is necessary for this. All we have to do is take initiatives.


Comment


Inside Thought

Developing health systems without evidence-based information is a challenging task


Thumbnail

After independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave us this instruction that for a state to prosper economically and stand firmly on its feet, the health of its people must be safeguarded. In line with this vision, he initiated the development of Bangladesh's healthcare system, laying down a blueprint for its advancement. This vision is enshrined in the constitution of Bangladesh, emphasizing the centrality of healthcare to the well-being of its citizens. Drawing inspiration from Bangabandhu's philosophy, our esteemed leader, Sheikh Hasina, continues to steer our nation, providing constant guidance and implementing effective measures to further enhance the country's healthcare system. 

Developing the healthcare system in Bangladesh is challenging without evidence-based research. Without understanding our challenges and opportunities, progress in healthcare is hindered. Research is essential for identifying areas for improvement. We categorize this research into three parts: basic research, gathering evidence-based information for healthcare system development, and public health research. Each of these studies plays a crucial role in advancing our healthcare system.

Community Clinics became a gambling den because the BNP government never realized how much necessary it was for the country. We are delighted that today, under the leadership of visionary statesperson Sheikh Hasina, our country has revitalized these Community Clinics, reviving their programs. Now we need research. Therefore, the benchmark of Bangladesh's healthcare system will be these Community Clinics. In this case, BMRC has a vital role to play. If we can't collect research data, then we can't develop. We need to change our current health system but we need to do a thorough research on where the change is needed, why it is needed, and how it is needed. I believe that the current government under the guidance of the Philosophical Statesperson Sheikh Hasina will increase such research work. As a result, the activities of Bangladesh Medical Research Council will increase and become stronger.



Comment


Inside Thought

Like the economy, we will also advance in research under the guidance of the Prime Minister


Thumbnail

The Honourable Prime Minister has provided a strategic framework for medical research. Henceforth, we can develop a five-year action plan under the guidance of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC). It is imperative for doctors to show interest in medical research. Integration of research methodology into medical education curriculum is underway but requires reinforcement. Adequate evaluation mechanisms should be established for physicians committed to medical research. Offering research incentives to those dedicated to medical research instead of private practice is likely to attract numerous young doctors to the field. Incorporating research findings into national-level policy-making will not only incentivize researchers but also enhance systems for the utilization of research outcomes. An initiative should be launched to facilitate collaboration among researchers at all levels, both domestically and internationally. This will afford local researchers the opportunity to work alongside their international counterparts, while also allowing international researchers to recognize Bangladesh's potential in medical research.

Doctors should not only be stuck in pursuing higher degrees or promotions through research. In this regard, health policy makers should also take precedence. It is essential to ensure the participation of doctors in national and international seminars, both domestically and abroad. The more doctors participate in international seminars, the more they will be exposed to various aspects and methodologies of global research, which will stimulate their interest in research. Moreover, such seminars hold immense potential for bilateral research collaborations with researchers from different countries.

Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Eye Hospital and Training Institute, established in the name of Bangamata in Gopalganj, is the only regional research center of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council till now. I will again call to open a cell of "Bangamata National Cellular and Molecular Research Center" at our regional research center. Then, inspiration in research among the doctors of the southern-western region will be observed, and a new gateway of research will be opened in this region. Bangladesh is now globally recognized for its emerging economic power in the world economy. Under the guidance of the visionary statesperson, the Honorable Prime Minister, we will also advance in medical research. With the assistance of BMRC, we will conduct three internationally acclaimed researches from our regional research center and publish the results of the research in international standard journals. This is my commitment to the Honorable Prime Minister.


Comment


Inside Thought

Prime Minister's Endless Support Fuels Research Endeavors


Thumbnail

The lifelong goal of the Father of the Nation was to bring smiles to the faces of the distressed people of Bangladesh. He prioritized the healthcare sector to achieve this goal. In just over three years, he took several significant steps to improve the country's healthcare system. He formulated robust constitutional policies, practical action plans, and necessary infrastructure.

The history of medical science is as ancient as human history itself. With the integration of global technology, the father of the nation established the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) in 1972 to advance the country's medical field through innovative means. He outlined the functions of BMRC, which included improving and organizing scientific research in various branches of health sciences, providing training to public health workers, and publishing research findings. To develop and organize scientific research in the various disciplines of health, reproductive health and nutrition to identify issues and problems related to medical and health care needs. To develop manpower in health research through training programs and workshops and to ensure appropriate application and utilization of medical research results. BMRC, established under the guidance of the father of the nation, is a significant institution in health science research. By conducting demand-driven modern research programs in various branches of medical science, it will assist in establishing smart universal health care for the health sector. This is our expectation from BMRC.

Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of the Father of the Nation, repeatedly urges doctors to pay special attention to medical research. She often says, "Excellence cannot be achieved without research. Doctors cannot just provide treatment and expect progress. Researching alongside is also essential." Following in the footsteps of her father's legacy, she has led extensive development and implementation in the health sector over the past 15 years, reaching the doorsteps of the people. Her sincere efforts and interest in medical research are commendable, and we want to utilize them for the benefit of our country. We are extremely fortunate to have such a Prime Minister who is highly enthusiastic about medical research herself. With her guidance, we express hope that research activities in the medical field will commence in Bangladesh.


Comment


Inside Thought

True independence thrives on continuous medical research, guided by the enduring vision of the Father of the Nation and the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Publish: 10:00 PM, 24 Mar, 2024


Thumbnail

The word "freedom" is our most cherished and revered term. Just as every individual dreams of freedom, thirsts for it, and holds the desire for freedom in their hearts, so too does a nation achieve its ultimate transformation and embark on the path of development through the means of freedom. Just as individual freedom develops and liberates a person, igniting the stream of their free thoughts, similarly the freedom of a nation takes all its people towards progress and modernity, ensuring the success of nation so that all citizens can enjoy its benefits. Therefore, if we analyze the history of the world, we will see that without freedom, no nation could uphold self-respect, dignity, and prosper. Thus, throughout the world, in every country, we have witnessed the aspiration for freedom, wars fought for freedom, compromises made for freedom, and people of the whole world being mobilized for freedom.

Nelson Mandela famously stated that Without freedom, no one can survive. Without freedom, a nation perishes. Reflecting on Bangladesh's history, in 1947, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recognized that true freedom for the Bengali nation was only possible through independence. He envisioned the construction of a non-communal, progressive state structure for Bengalis, a dream achievable only when the nation gained sovereignty. Hence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, from the very onset of the country's partition in 1947, wanted independence, nurturing the desire for freedom and initiating a relentless struggle that culminated in 1971. Bangabandhu realized that if we can't achieve independence, the Bengali nation would not stand tall on the world stage. Bangabandhu realized that if we can't achieve independence, the Bengali nation would not stand tall on the world stage. He envisioned for a modern, progressive, and developed state. Even back in 1947, when he was actively involved in the struggle for independence, he had a vision for what Bangladesh would be like. He had a plan for that time as well. He had only attained a scant three and a half years to implement that plan in reality.

We all know that a war-torn country where Pakistani occupying forces wreaked havoc for nine months, it's impossible to get everything back on track within just three and a half years. But Bangabandhu had laid out a blueprint for Bangladesh within that short span. We call it an architectural plan. Plan to build the sonar Bangla. However, even after facing defeat in the Liberation War of 1971, the anti-liberation forces in Bangladesh did not accept their defeat. They initiated rebellions in Bangladesh, and in the course of those rebellions, on August 15, 1975, they mercilessly assassinated the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with his family. This assassination was an act of anti-liberation forces. The real reason behind this massacre was to thwart the fruits of Bangladesh's independence. Making Bangladesh a subordinate state again, making it a confederation of Pakistan. Therefore, upon analyzing the individuals in power post-1975, it becomes evident that figures like Mostaq, Ziaur Rahman, and Hussain Muhammad Ershad all exhibited pro-Pakistani inclinations and adopted a Pakistani-style approach. Their objective was to transform Bangladesh into a replica of Pakistan. They manipulated the state apparatus to ensure that the benefits of freedom remained elusive for many. Consequently, their actions were consistently anti-Bangladesh and anti-independence. They managed the state structure so that not all people get the benefits of freedom. Every action they took was against the interests of Bangladesh and its independence. On May 17, 1981 Sheikh Hasina returned to her homeland, aiming to thwart the efforts of those opposing independence. Upon her return, amidst a hostile atmosphere, the visionary leader Sheikh Hasina wholeheartedly embraced and pursued the dreams of Bangabandhu. The significant progress we witness today in Bangladesh, both in infrastructure and in the evolution of mindset, can be attributed to the actualization of Bangabandhu's aspirations.

When considering the advantages of freedom, the correlation with medical research becomes apparent. If we analyze the developed countries of the world, we see that those countries which have prioritized medical science are the ones that have advanced the most. And we have many such examples around us. The United States of America is perhaps the biggest example of how prioritizing medical science has led to advancement.

Bangabandhu understood it in 1971. And it was because of this realization that he identified the areas of priority in his first five-year plan, among which he marked education and healthcare as the most crucial sectors. If we observe the first five-year plan closely, we will see that Bangabandhu particularly emphasized granting priority to medical research. In determining the priorities for the development of the newly formed state of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu identified the health sector as a priority. He envisioned extending healthcare services to the rural population and established the BMRC to emphasize research in healthcare. However, from the late seventies to 1996, we call this period the dark age. During that time, Bangladesh plunged into a dark world. As a result, our modern thinking, liberal thought, and progressive ideas were obstructed. Consequently, scientific and medical research also suffered a setback. From there, today we have embarked on a journey. 

We have seen that the Philosophical Statesperson Sheikh Hasina gives special importance to medical research and ensures that medical research is conducted under proper leadership. Therefore, she has entrusted the responsibility of chairing the BMRC to an expert like Professor Dr. Syed Modasser Ali. I hope that the initiatives taken by the BMRC today are complementary to Bangabandhu's dream. It is closely related to the thinking of Statesperson Sheikh Hasina. That's why we see three levels clearly. Bangabandhu's dream, the guidance of the philosophical statesperson Sheikh Hasina, and the practical implementation plan of the BMRC. If these three can converge at one point, then undoubtedly Bangladesh will stand as a modern developed country in front of the world. Not only infrastructure development, but also through thought, contemplation, and research, Bangladesh will illuminate the world as an advanced state.


Comment


বিজ্ঞাপন