This is a timeline of Bangladesh-India relations since the independence of Bangladesh. Besides chronicling the important bilateral events we have tried to analyse those events with the benefit of hindsight. — BoR Editor
November 11, 2022 : India gifts 30 military trained mules to Bangladesh
Indian Army gifts 10 x Mules (Mountain Artillery) and 20 x Mules (General Service) along with saddler items to the Bangladesh Army on Nov 11, 2022 in a ceremony held at Benapole-Petrapole Inland Container Port (ICP). Senior officers from both sides attended the event. According to Indian Embassy in Bangladesh, the mules will enhance the operational capability of Bangladesh Army in difficult terrain. [Source: Facebook page of the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh]
Earlier in 2020, the Indian Army gifted 20 fully trained military horses and ten mine detection dogs to the Bangladesh Army. [The Hindu, November 13, 2022]
November 9, 2022 : Two killed in BSF shooting at Bangladesh-India border
Two Bangladeshi nationals –Wazkaroni Mia (36) and Ayanul Haque (35)– were killed by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) near the border adjacent to Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari Upazila. They were shot around 4:30am between the International border pillars 921 and 922, said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Some 10 to 12 Bangladeshi cattle traders were confronted by a BSF patrol team of Baburhat camp of Sitai Police Station in Cooch Behar district, said BGB. The BSF opened fire at them near Kaimari border of India, leaving Wazkaroni and Ayanul injured severely. The associates of the duo managed to bring them into Bangladesh territory, but they died on their way, said locals. BGB’s Lohakuchi BOP Camp Commander Shariful Islam Sharif said the deceaseds were involved with cattle smuggling. BGB has sent a letter to the BSF protesting the incident.
Wazkaroni’s mother Shafiron Bewa said, “I forbade my son many times from going to India, but he didn’t pay heed. My son used to work for a local cow trader.” Ayanul’s wife Sharifa Begum said her husband used to earn between Tk 10,000 and Tk 12,000 per cattle.
Source: The Daily Star, November 10, 2o22
November 1, 2022 : Bangladeshi Minister thanks India for its role in maintaining political stability in Bangladesh
Bangladesh information minister Hasan Mahmud said during an interaction with the media at the Press Club of India in New Delhi: “Political stability in a country is one of the most essential pre-conditions for prosperity. I strongly believe that to maintain the political stability in Bangladesh, regional stability is also important. I would register my thanks [to India]. To keep the regional stability, and thereby political stability in Bangladesh, India has played a role.” He further informed that Dhaka had taken strong action against people involved in attacks on Hindus and there were 700 more Durga Pujas in Bangladesh this year as compared to 2021. [ Source: The Hindustan Times]
October 27, 2022: New Indian ambassador presents his credentials
High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma presented his credential to Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid.