The other face of diplomacy

Mahmudur Rahman writes for DOT : 
Admittedly the government’s lack of success in resolving the Teesta water sharing agenda sticks out like a sore thumb in an otherwise impressive list of achievements. Admittedly, the threats of pushing back Bengalis from Assam and Tripura, not to mention the rest of India smarts. But the counter measures are nothing short of brilliant.
In one video conference in September, Sheikh Hasina was joined by Mamta Banerjee and Tripura’s Chief Minister to launch electricity imports from India and inaugurate rail link construction to connect India and Bangladesh. Responding to a slap with a handshake is true statesmanship. Narendra Modi had said before his election win that Bangladeshis could leave the day after he was elected. He was. But they didn’t have to. Just another part of election rhetoric.But when Assam and Tripura begin a registration process and BJP think tank maestro Amit Shah raises the issue of push back it becomes a lot more serious. None of these actions mention anything about discussions with Bangladesh. The riposte was brilliant- push the other face of diplomacy forward.
Let’s also not forget the influence of the US on denying Bangladesh access to funds for the now visible Padma Bridge that we ultimately forked out ourselves. So one is permitted a wry smile when previous US Ambassador Marcia Bloom Bernicat met Sheikh Hasina to push for LPG imports from the US. There will be massive imports of LPG to meet gas shortage and the initial destination is the Middle East. Ms Bernicat certainly didn’t want her country to be left out of the party. Her initial pitch was investment in the energy sector-a strange concept given Chevron’s decision to leave. Our Prime Minister glossed over the smart when President Donald Trump brushed aside the Rohingya issue but this time round her response was again brilliant.’ Investments are welcome in all sectors where jobs are created’. Touché de la Chevron.
Nonetheless the other side of diplomacy for the next government will be challenging. The Rohingyas are ready to be repatriated, except they don’t want to go back. How and who will influence and convince them is a thorn in the side. The Bengali issue in Tripura and Assam can lead to renewed tension. Again, Sheikh Hasina has lined up a befitting response. Families of Indian soldiers that died in the fighting in 1971 for the independence of Bangladesh will be monetarily and symbolically honoured. Nor should it be forgotten that the seven sister states of India are now enjoying lower costs thanks to Road, rail and waterway transit that we allowed them at an absolute minimal cost.
Mahmudur Rhman is an Author,columnist,communications specialist