We have heard of similar complaints from the leadership of the Assam State in north-eastern India. Complaints included allegations that there are fundamentalist groups in this country and that they are collaborating with 'Jihadis' from India. It has also been mentioned that insurgents from the United Liberation Front based in Assam are getting shelter in Dhaka. This fact is being stressed despite strong denials in this regard from the Bangladeshi authorities.

Both Chief Ministers have also stated in the recent past that demographic changes are taking place in some of the bordering districts of these States adjoining Bangladesh, due to illegal entry of Bangladeshis. One would presume that the Indian authorities have suitable statistics to back these claims. However, if such assumptions are just based on increase in the population of Bengali speaking Muslims in these areas, then such an approach could indeed be flawed. I would strongly suggest that joint survey teams should be established to evaluate these claims and take necessary further action. Otherwise, such criticism will only exacerbate tension, suspicion and provocation particularly for the minority Muslim population living in the Indian bordering districts. Let us not forget that extremist nationalist forces exist in each country and they do not necessarily follow reason and logic. This is a pernicious area which should not be encouraged. If necessary, call in the UNHCR or any other international agency or representatives from civil societies from both countries that deal with the effects of illegal migration, rehabilitation of displaced populations and let them sift through information. Parties in the meantime should refrain from making provocative statements about minority populations. This is not helping the gradual process of normalisation. That must be given priority over everything else.

The just-concluded Foreign Secretary level talks in Delhi were probably nothing more than a 'get-acquainted' experience as many analysts have claimed. However, it took place, and that is important. Few thought that such a meeting would result in solutions. It was more significant because it permitted both sides to discuss mutual areas of aggravation. It was also relevant because exchange of views and discussion are both necessary to better understand each other. It also enables parties to identify least common denominators which can then be built upon.

It would appear that some of the suspicions and recriminations that have bedevilled relations between India and Bangladesh since 1975 continue to exist. Both sides re-stated their positions. There was a thin sliver of flexibility in some new areas. However, on most old issues, there was frank discussion, euphemism for disagreement. That, in a way is good. It is always better to be able to identify each other's cards on the table.

We need to view such talks from a proper perspective. There has been speculation that delay in issuing the joint statement was an indication of lack of success and an effort to paper over wide differences. I believe that such an interpretation of the last minute delay is reading too much into factors.

What has been demonstrated during the meeting was the desire for good neighbourly relations. It also reflected that both sides made an attempt to engage in resolving their serious concerns -- be it security, sharing of waters, reducing the glaring imbalance in their bilateral trade or completion of border demarcation. They have not taken the easy way out and sought superficial compromise by skirting around difficult issues. There was shared willingness to acknowledge sensitive concerns.

In this context, one hopes that India has noted and will take necessary steps to address the issue of some Bangladeshi miscreants and notorious criminals seeking safe refuge in Calcutta and adjoining areas. It would probably be helpful to resolve existing differences and agree on a suitable framework that could assist extradition.

Another area of concern is the informal trade and smuggling of contraband narcotics and items like phensydyl from India into Bangladesh. Authorities in the adjoining Indian States could try to identify those involved and clamp down on their activities.

We must understand that the prospect of good neighbourly relations between Bangladesh and India have to be further strengthened. This is vital for progress within South Asia. There is bound to be spill-over effects for the entire region.

We have recently had a very successful trip to Dhaka of Ambassador Rajiv Sikri, Secretary in the Indian External Affairs Ministry. During the course of his many meetings and discussions, Mr. Sikri highlighted the future potential of India. He also suggested that Bangladesh, like other Indian neighbours should profit from the growing Indian presence on the world map. In this regard, Bangladesh was also invited to get on board the Indian Oriental Express steaming towards south-east Asia and the Far East.

We have since then had the meeting of the two Foreign Secretaries. We have also been informed by the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary that in the near future there will be several visits to Bangladesh by senior Indian officials and also exchanges in critical sectors. It has also been suggested that two agreements related to trade and investment would be signed shortly while the Joint Working Group on trade, paratariff and non-tariff barriers would meet in Dhaka by August this year. It also appears that agreement has been reached on the need for the Joint Rivers Commission to meet soon in Dhaka. The two sides have also decided to explore the possibility of commencing not only Dhaka-Guwhati, Dhaka-Shillong and Dhaka-Siliguri bus services but also Dhaka-Kathmandu bus service, passing through Indian territory.

All of these are important steps.

It is understood that the two sides also discussed the sensitive subject of the planned tri-nation gas pipeline passing through Bangladesh to India. This project, like so many other cooperation initiatives with India, is under scrutiny by Bangladesh. Strategic implications are being connoted. There are also suggestions that such facility should be tagged to Bangladesh obtaining certain advantages from India. One can only hope that both sides will use this as a spring-board to evolve further infrastructural cooperation in other areas.

We can benefit from Indian expertise in the fields of agriculture, science and technology. What is also required is a constructive approach in water sharing and management. The monsoon season is upon us and soon there will be conditions that might lead to floods. Mutual goodwill could be further enhanced by the sharing of information obtained from upper riparian points of the many rivers that enter Bangladesh from India. This will enable us to prepare better for flood forecasting. I am not referring here to lead information available from the Farakka Barrage site. I am asking for information about river water flow further up-stream, both in the upper reaches of the Ganges as well as in the Brahmaputra.

The 13th SAARC Summit is scheduled to be held in Dhaka later this year. We are looking forward not only to the visit of the Indian Prime Minister but also further consolidation of the SAARC process. His visit, most certainly, will be a confidence building measure.

In the meantime, Bangladesh, quite understandably, will watch with great care what happens to the reforms process initiated within the UN system. We all know the special significance that India is attaching to this initiative. Everyone must appreciate the need for improved connectivity within our region. It is important for stability and economic progress. In this end-sum game, every South Asian needs to be a winner.

Muhammad Zamir is a former Secretary and Ambassador -- any response to [email protected]