Find ways to cancel 'unjust' deals with India: Anu Muhammad to govt
Projects like Rooppur, Adani, and Rampal should be cancelled, as their continuation would cause more damage than halting them, he says
Former Jahangirnagar University economics professor Anu Muhammad has called upon the interim government to explore ways for a cancellation of what he described as "unjust" agreements signed with India in the past.
"The government can label the agreements as an "odious debt" and revoke those which are inconvenient for Bangladesh," he said while presiding over a seminar on "Indian State Hegemony in Bangladesh: Forms and Actions" at Jatiya Press Club today (11 January).
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Odious debt, also known as illegitimate debt, is a global concept asserting that the national debt incurred under a despotic regime should not be enforceable.
Prof Anu Muhammad added that the contracts (with India) involving the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Adani Power and Rampal Power Plant should be cancelled, and these projects need to be closed. "Because, if they continue to operate, the resulting damage will exceed that arising out of their closure."
He also referred to the agreements with India as contrary to the public interest, and called for their disclosure to the public.
He said the citizens of Bangladesh have specific issues with India that are not rooted in religious distinctions. "It is not a matter of Hindu-Muslims. It is a matter of dominance."
Prof Anu Muhammad further said the political ideology of "Hindutva" (Hindu nationalism) flourished in India during the British period, and in the last decade, it has mingled with big capitalism in the country.
"India exhibits a stark juxtaposition between its wealthiest class and its ultra-poor segment. A third of India's domestic politics is its dreaded militarisation."
The professor further said India has a strong inclination towards bilateral talks and tends to avoid multilateral ones. "That's why they are not in favour of the functioning of Saarc."
He was of the opinion that the conflict between Bangladesh and India can be characterised as a matter of seeking independence.
He said to overcome these challenges, Bangladesh needs to stand in solidarity with those (Dalits and other minorities) of India who are being oppressed within their country, for which he underscored the need for building South Asian solidarity. "South Asian integration can be an effective strategy against Indian state hegemony."
In addition, Bangladesh should continue multilateral talks, including joining the UN Water Convention, and other similar international conventions.
The event was organised by the quarterly magazine Sarbojankatha, and moderated by its editorial board member, JU teacher Maha Miraza. Anu Muhammad is the editor of the magazine.
Its editorial board member Tanzimuddin Khan and publisher Moshahida Sultana, among others, also spoke at the seminar. ***
