In a move that echoes a long history of exploitation, India has once again demonstrated its disregard for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and well-being. This time, it’s the people of Comilla, a southeastern district of Bangladesh, who have been left to suffer as a result of India’s actions. For the past 15 years, India has systematically used Bangladesh’s infrastructure to its advantage, and now, under the guise of dealing with a natural disaster, they continue to inflict harm on their neighbor.
Dumboor Reservoir Flooding
Recently, the Indian state of Tripura was drenched by heavy monsoon rains. While Bangladesh’s Comilla district also faced heavy rains, Tripura experienced far more rainfall. In response, Tripura’s Chief Minister, Manik Saha, took drastic measures to manage the crisis, including sending an SOS to Delhi and closing educational institutions. However, the most egregious action was the impromptu decision to open the sluice gate of the Dumboor Reservoir, releasing massive amounts of floodwater into Bangladesh via the transboundary Gomti River.
This decision, taken without any prior communication with Bangladeshi authorities, has devastated vast stretches of farmland in Comilla, leaving thousands of people homeless, without livelihoods, and facing immense hardship. The lack of communication from India, a supposed ally, is a stark reminder of the neglect and exploitation Bangladesh has faced for years.
For over a decade, India has relied on Bangladesh’s infrastructure, often without fair compensation or mutual benefit. Whether it’s using Bangladeshi rivers for their projects or leveraging Bangladesh’s strategic position for trade and transport, India’s actions have repeatedly put its neighbor at a disadvantage. Now, with a new government in Bangladesh that is less inclined to bend to India’s will, India seems determined to maintain its dominance through any means necessary.
This latest incident is not just an isolated case of poor communication; it’s part of a broader pattern of India’s disregard for Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Despite years of supposed cooperation, India has failed to notify Bangladesh about critical actions like opening the Dumboor Reservoir’s sluice gate, a move that has had catastrophic consequences. This lack of transparency and respect is a direct affront to the people of Bangladesh, who have long suffered from the consequences of India’s unilateral decisions.
The Real Motive: Power and Control
The question must be asked: why does India continue to treat Bangladesh this way? The answer lies in power and control. India’s actions suggest that it views Bangladesh not as a partner, but as a subordinate whose resources and infrastructure are there to be exploited. As Bangladesh grows stronger and more independent, India’s need to assert control becomes more apparent.
The people of Bangladesh deserve better. They deserve a government that will stand up to India’s bullying tactics and demand fair treatment. The recent events in Comilla are a tragic reminder of the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and respect in the face of a powerful neighbor’s relentless exploitation. It’s time for Bangladesh to take a stand and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
