India and Bangladesh share deep cultural and historical ties, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the India-Bangladesh border on Tuesday to inaugurate several projects. Shah highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, stating that their cultures, religions, customs, and lifestyles have been intertwined for thousands of years. He emphasized that no one can undermine the good relations between India and Bangladesh, and that India has played a key role in Bangladesh’s history.
During his visit to the Petrapole border in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several projects of the Land Ports Authority of India and the Border Security Force (BSF). He also praised the BSF for its role in the Liberation War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
India and Bangladesh have had a complex relationship since Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. The two countries share a 4,096-kilometer-long border, which is one of the longest land borders in the world. Despite some past conflicts and disagreements, India and Bangladesh have made significant efforts to strengthen their relationship in recent years.
India has provided significant economic and humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh, including building bridges and power plants, and supporting refugee camps. The two countries have also made progress in resolving long-standing border disputes and improving trade relations. In addition, India and Bangladesh have collaborated on regional and international issues, such as climate change and counterterrorism.
However, there are still challenges to the India-Bangladesh relationship. Illegal migration, cross-border smuggling, and the sharing of river waters remain contentious issues. Additionally, India’s recent citizenship laws, which have been criticized as discriminatory against Muslims, have caused some tension with Bangladesh, which has a predominantly Muslim population.
Amit Shah’s visit to the India-Bangladesh border highlights the importance of the relationship between the two countries. While there are still challenges to be addressed, both India and Bangladesh have recognized the benefits of cooperation and are committed to strengthening their ties.