The relation between Bangladesh and Burma began since January 13, 1972, on which date Bangladesh was recognized by Burma as a sovereign State. However, the relation between two countries has never been smooth and has undergone frequent ups and downs over the last 40 years on a few issues.
Burma looks down on Bangladesh's geographical vulnerability because of small neighbor and poor country. Therefore, Burma does not willing to solve the disputes between the two countries, but inclined towards India and China. As such Bangladesh was discouraged and lost interest to get an agreement a path to bring Burma into a negotiation table for developing meaningful relation with her. On the contrary, India and China have taken the full advantage of Burma’s isolation and developed a deep relationship with Burma.
Besides, the problems such as---influx of Rohingya refugees, demarcation of land and maritime boundary, illegal drug trafficking and alleged cross border movement of insurgents dominated to their relations. .
The relation deteriorated severely in 1991 when Burma’s military launched a surprised attack to a Bangladesh Rifle's (BDR) border outpost at Rejupara under the Cox's Bazar district killing three BDRs and looted some of arms and ammunitions.
Bangladesh has been facing difficulties with the Rohingya refugee problems since 1978. Nearly 300,000, Rohingyas were forced to cross the border and came to Bangladesh, following Operation “Nagamin” (Dragon King).
During 1991-92, the second wave of over 250,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution. Bangladesh with the help of the international community tried to resolve that issue through diplomatic way, but Burma’s unwilling policy, the refugee problem could not be completely resolved.
The demarcation of maritime boundary was another issue that created a conflict of interest between these two countries. The second round of tension erupted when Burma hired South Korea's Daewoo Company to carry out the exploration of oil and gas in the Bay of Bengal, in November 2008.
However, diplomatic initiative to solve the problem ended without any result. Being upset with the attitude of Burma, Bangladesh submitted the case to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in 2009. After a series of hearing in September 2011 the court planned to convey a ruling in March 2012.
In this background, Bangladesh Prime Minister (PM) has visited Burma in an effort to build a relationship that will be beneficial for the people of both the countries. She has visited Burma immediately after the visit of US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
During the visit, the PM of Bangladesh raised the issue of Rohingya refugees living in two official camps and the huge number of undocumented Burmese nationals living in Bangladesh. She stated that early resolution of these issues will help strengthen the bilateral relations to a great scope. The president of Burma expressed his desire to work together with Bangladesh in resolving the issue.
Bangladesh wants to import energy from Burma and requested the president to import readymade garments, pharmaceutical products, knitwear, jute and jute goods, ceramics etc. from Bangladesh at competitive price.
The two countries also want direct banking arrangement under Asian Clearing Union, so that letter of credits (LCs) can be opened directly between the two countries. They wished to launch direct air flight between Dhaka/Chittagong and Rangoon and non-conventional vessels between the selected commercial routes of the two countries and also want to increase border trade.
There are reports that in 2010-11 Bangladesh's exports to Burma stood at $9.65 million and imports from Burma at $175.7 million.
Moreover, Bangladesh planned a deep-sea port at Sonadia will be a regional hub and will be of tremendous importance to Burma and other Asian nations.
The solution to Rohingya refugee problem will give an additional mileage to enhance Burma’s human rights image to international community. It is a matter to be seen how the Bangladesh government and diplomats capitalize such urgent needs of Burma.
Both countries should highlight not only on connectivity through land, sea and air but should also increase people to people contact through various cultural exchanges, sports, educations, trade fairs, and other mutually beneficial activities.
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