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Public Reaction

What's the gain of Bangladesh?

Staff Correspondent
The general public are confused and sceptical about Bangladesh's gain from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit.
However, to many of the 50 Dhaka residents interviewed by The Daily Star yesterday, the visit holds forth a lot of hope
and expectation.
"The visit is of course very significant for Bangladesh," said Ahsanul Islam Chanchai, a garment factory staff.
But the “hiccups” such as the Teesta water-sharing deal not being signed and Paschimbanga Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's last-minute refusal to accompany Manmohan was “shocking", he said.
Among those interviewed were professionals, businessmen, labourers, students, teachers and housewives.
“Frankly, I don't see anything good happening for Bangladesh from this visit," said Mahfuz Islam, an accountant. “India has been exploiting Bangladesh for years, and this visit is an effort to continue that exploitation."
Abul Kalam, a shop owner at Green Road, believes India's motive behind the visit is to “push” Bangladesh fortransit.
“Yes, Bangladesh does have much to gain, but it all depends on India," said the 37-year-old, who was seen reading a newspaper in his store.
Pointing to a news article on Mamata's refusal to join Manmohan, he said, “They don't seem to be very enthusiastic about the treaties."
Some of those interviewed appeared indifferent or ignorant about the visit.
Shahjahan Mia, a tea vendor at Green Road, said he heard that “some Indian ministers were coming,” but does not know why.
"Brother, these are the matters of the prime ministers. Will it give me a day's meal for free? No, it won’t,” says Bachchu Mia, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver. “So I have no interest in this.”
Firoz, another autorickshaw driver, however, believes that both the countries will try to protect their interests.
But some think there is a lack of clarity on what Bangladesh stands to gain from the visit.
“It is clear what India will get from Bangladesh. But what Bangladesh will get remains uncertain," says Faisal Imtiaz fromTejgaon.
Postponing the Teesta agreement at the very last minute was "shocking", and
it created more confusion, he said.
“If they can cancel the Teesta agreement because of the unwillingness of a chief minister, then Bangladesh should cancel the transit agreements considering the interest of the people,” said Farid Uddin Ahmed, a businessman.
Mamata's last-minute refusal to come to Bangladesh was nothing but a "political drama,” according to Mridul Chowdhury, a Dhaka University student.
"They [the Indian delegation] are here only to secure their interest, not ours."
Akkas Ali, an army person, believes that the Teesta agreement was very important for Bangladesh.
“This deal was essential," he said, adding that the canals and rivers of Bangladesh are drying.
“We should be careful about what we are going to give India and what we are getting in return,” he added.
However, expectations are high too.
“Many longstanding issues between India and Bangladesh, which are harmful for both the peoples, could be resolved during the visit," said Shahrier Jewel, a student.
According to Pankaj Roy, a businessman, Bangladesh has much to gain from the visit.
“The water in all the rivers in Bangladesh comes flowing through India from the Himalayas. India has some 500 dams on its rivers to restrict the water flow into Bangladesh,” said Pankaj.
“If India opens even a few of those, it will be a big help for Bangladesh,” he adds.
But there are many sceptics.
Rakib Hasan, a security guard, says, “In the light of what is happening, I don't think much will happen in this visit.”
Rakib spends much of his days reading newspapers.