The key Opposition parties of Bangladesh — the Bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami — are in a loose alliance, but have absolutely diametrically opposite views of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh visit.
While the BNP thinks that the visit was “well-intended,” the Jamaat said that it has only facilitated “India’s interest.” Prime Minister Modi concluded his trip on Sunday night with a speech to the civil society, where he said that countries would grow together in future. “If your neighbour’s wall is not strong, your wall — which is adjacent to your neighbours— will collapse, howsoever strong it may be,” said Mr. Modi. One of the key advisers of BNP A.K. Mahmud Chowdhury said that he liked Mr. Modi’s speech. “His intentions are noble.”
“We need to look at the big picture and Mr. Modi has indeed come up with a clear vision. He spoke about strengthening bi-lateral relationship, while also focusing on regional growth in every sector...this is what the doctors have ordered for Bangladesh,” he said.
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He refused to put his finger on any one particular issue — like water sharing — which has not met the expectation of Bangladesh. “Everyone wants those things and so do we.”