Bangladesh Reviews 101 India Pacts, Says No Plan for Blanket Cancellation

Bangladesh is reviewing 101 agreements and memorandums of understanding signed with India, but has no plan to cancel them wholesale, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said.

The exercise aims to identify inconsistencies and address provisions considered contrary to Bangladesh’s interests, Moni told ANI in a telephone interview late Friday. Relevant ministries and departments will examine the arrangements before raising any concerns with New Delhi.

“We will review the agreements made with India to check whether there are any inconsistencies. If any such inconsistencies are found, we will try to resolve them,” he said.

Moni said the aim was to ensure the agreements served both countries’ interests.

Review First, Discussions Later

Moni had said last week that the government was examining 101 MoUs and agreements signed during the previous Awami League government, with the findings expected to be announced soon.

He clarified that discussions with India would follow only where the review identified inconsistencies.

“The relevant ministries and departments of Bangladesh will review the existing agreements to check for any inconsistencies. Only if such inconsistencies are found will discussions be held with India to address them,” he said.

The clarification follows reports that Dhaka is examining arrangements covering connectivity, infrastructure and other areas of bilateral cooperation.

India Awaits Official Word

New Delhi has acknowledged the reports but says Bangladesh has not formally communicated its plans.

“We also have seen some media reports on this matter, but nothing has been conveyed to us officially. Obviously, India will take all necessary actions to protect its interests,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a briefing on Friday.

Existing connectivity arrangements include India’s use of Bangladesh’s Chattogram and Mongla ports to transport cargo to its northeastern states. The reported review includes scrutiny of the terms governing such cooperation.

Energy is another significant part of the relationship, with Bangladesh relying on imported electricity and cross-border fuel arrangements.

Some power purchase arrangements have faced payment delays and requests for financial renegotiation amid Bangladesh’s foreign exchange constraints.

Infrastructure and Security Stakes

India has extended more than $7 billion through multiple Lines of Credit for rail, road and port projects in Bangladesh.

Several Indian-funded projects have undergone feasibility reviews by Bangladesh’s planning authorities. Those assessments could affect project implementation and the deployment of funds.

The relationship also encompasses border security. During the previous Awami League government, Bangladesh cooperated with India to prevent anti-India insurgent groups from operating from its territory.

Bilateral border cooperation has addressed smuggling, illegal migration and militant activity.

For now, Dhaka’s stated position is that ministries will assess individual agreements and seek discussions where changes are considered necessary. New Delhi is awaiting official communication on the exercise.

With inputs from ANI