Bangladesh: BNP Chief Tarique Rahman Flags Water Sharing, Border Tensions With India; Pledges To Stop BSF 'killings'

Dhaka: Just before the elections in Bangladesh, the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, has raised the issues of border tensions with India and water sharing. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), considered the largest political force in the current elections, has accused India's Border Security Force (BSF) of committing atrocities against people along the border in its manifesto. BNP chief and prospective Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that his government would take necessary steps to stop this.

What did Tarique Rahman say?

"If the BNP comes to power, it will prioritize stopping the 'border killings' by India's BSF. The BNP government will take steps to improve the situation at the border.  It will also work towards securing a fair share of water from shared rivers like the Teesta and Padma with India," Tarique Rahman said.

Elections in Bangladesh are scheduled for February 12. Counting will begin after voting, and results are expected on February 13.

What will be BNP policy in Bangladesh?

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has stated in its manifesto that if it forms the government, it will adopt a 'Bangladesh First' policy in its foreign policy. The BNP government will maintain friendly relations with all countries but will not accept any country as its 'master'. This means that no one will be allowed to interfere in Dhaka's affairs.

The BNP manifesto also mentions building strategic partnerships with Bangladesh's neighboring countries as well as the Gulf countries. The manifesto also states that their government will not tolerate any terrorist activity on Bangladeshi soil. This seems to be an attempt to address India's concerns regarding relations with Pakistan.

What about an alliance with Jamaat?

BNP Chairman and leading contender for the Prime Minister's post, Tarique Rahman, denied the possibility of an alliance with Jamaat in an interview with Reuters. Tarique rejected the idea of ​​sharing power with the BNP's main rival, Jamaat-e-Islami, saying that his party would secure a majority on its own.

When asked about joining forces with the Jamaat, Tariq said, "How can I form a government with my political opponents? If they are also in the government, then who will be in the opposition? I don't know how many seats they will have, but since they are in the opposition, I hope they will play the role of a good opposition."