THE recent visit of the Indian prime minister was more important than any other previous meeting as it was hoped that many things would be discussed and many problems resolved. But just before his arrival, the outcome of the meeting was almost clear to the people of Bangladesh through the refusal of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of Paschimbanga, to be a part of the Indian team; and later on through the press briefing of the foreign secretary of India that the two countries were not going to take any decision regarding the Teesta river.

However, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni categorically rejected that and expressed her strong optimism regarding the solution of the of Teesta issue. As a result, the visit appears to have been nothing more than a courtesy call to Bangladesh.

Though one protocol and some MoU have been signed the question is whether a summit was needed to settle these issues. For example, the MoU signed between the University of Dhaka and the Jawaharlal Nehru University on exchange of knowledge could have been signed between the two Universities, or the exchange of television programmes between BTV and DD could have been agreed to by the information ministers. The protocol signed on border problems was not on the agenda, rather the two prime ministers decided on it during their exclusive meeting. After the "shuttle diplomacy" of the last 20 months, the outcome could have been better.

Let us see our achievements from the visit of the Indian PM. Firstly, 24-hour access to Dahagram-Angorpota through the "Tin Bigha Corridor" was a demand for long time from the Bangladesh side. It was in 1992 when the Indian government agreed to allow access for twelve hours, but no significant progress was made on this issue for 20 years.

Secondly, though Bangladesh has not yet permitted India to use her land as a "corridor," India has agreed to let Bangladesh trade with Nepal through India.

Thirdly, The Indian PM has fulfilled the demand of our corporate sector by allowing duty free access to 46 items, which will surely play a vital role in promoting our industrial as well as economic development. Though the number is less than our expectation, the smooth functioning of this facility will enable us to bargain further.

Fourthly, India will provide technical support for

setting up a 1,320 MW power plant in Khulna.

Though India raised no demand, she has also been benefited. As per international river law, India has no right to control the waters of international rivers, but she is doing so. A Ganges water treaty was signed in 1996, but it is reported that Bangladesh is not getting water as per the treaty. Regarding Teesta, as Paschimbanga is involved here and it has strong objection regarding the framework of distribution of water, India has bypassed the issue in the name of further talks of the Joint River Commission.

We have a lot to learn from the visit of the Indian PM. Firstly, regarding the issue of national interest, he did a lot of homework before the visit. On the other hand, the Bangladesh government did not discuss anything regarding the talks in any forum, save a few. Even the chairman of the parliamentary committee on the foreign ministry blamed the government for not keeping the committee informed.

Secondly, though the ministry of foreign affairs is primarily responsible for the preliminary work for this type of exclusive meeting, the role of our foreign minister seemed to be overshadowed by two advisors to the prime minister. They seemed to play the major role during the visit of Indian National Security Advisor Shiv Sankar Menon, and before then also.

Thirdly, in parliamentary democracy, the opposition is called a "shadow government." Here, the "shadow government" was not informed by the government.

Fourthly, we should learn how to act on issues of national interest from Ms. Mamata Banerjee. She became chief minister of Paschimbanga a few months ago. Immediately after her victory, she was congratulated by the people of Bangladesh -- from the prime minister to ordinary people — and it was expected that she would play a vital role in promoting Indo-Bangladesh relations through her love for Bangladesh. We should not blame her for what she has done, but need to respect her for her commitment towards the people who put her in the position she is in.

Finally, we need to keep the relevant personnel updated regarding our relationship with India, and considering the importance of Indo-Bangladesh relations we need to organise such top level meetings once a year to remove the differences and ensure better relations between the two countries.

The author is Chairman, Department of IR, University of Chittagong. E-mail: mfulka@yahoo.com