CHAPTER-22

SHANTI BAHINI

Besides pressurizing Bangladesh through political and economic measures including water blockade RAW has been instigating and promoting separatist movements to completely destabilize and disintegrate the country. RAW has been providing training and arms to various separatist movements to create anarchy in Bangladesh. One such organisation is named Shanti Bahini. It is fighting for creating an independent state named Jhumland in Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

Historically Chittagong Hill Tracts region has been a part of ancient Bengal. Previously, it was' within Chittagong district. The Birtish government made it a separate district in 1900 A.D. Thus it was not even a district before 1900, let alone an independent state. At the time of partition in 1947, Hindu leaders including Pundit Nehru had desired that Chittagong Hill Tracts should be included in India. At that time there were oJ:?ly 10% Hindus among the tribals of Chittagong Hill Tracts only 'Tipra: and 'Hajong' are Hindus among 11 tribes of Chittagong Hill Tracts. According to census of 1981 Tipras are 12.31% of the tribal population while the 'Hajong' are negligible. Since their demand did not have any historic, cultural or religious basis therefore it was not accepted. Indians have been eying this strategic area' even later. During sixties, Indians instigated Tipras to start trouble in the region but they did not take the bait. Thus Indian design to separate Chittagong Hill Tracts from Pakistan remained unfulfilled.

After the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971 RAW got confident that any country can be disintegrated through a series of conspiracies and covert actions. Its confidence was further bolstered after annexation of 'Sikkim' by India. RAW had hoped that due to its support during 1971 War of Independence, Bangladesh will ever remain grateful and subservient to India. RAW even hoped that in due course they will turn Bangladesh into the next Sikkim or at least Bhutan. But they were disappointed to see Bangladesh asserting for sovereignty. Indians were forced to withdraw troops form Bangladesh due to clear and unequivocal stand by Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman. Leter when Bangladesh joined OIC in 1974 and announced that Banglasdesh will play its due role as a memebr country of Muslim Ummah, it was not liked by Indian leaders.

After assassination of Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman in 1975, the new Government in Bangladesh identified itself more closely with Muslim nationalism and started following independent foreign policy. RAW was indeed taken aback by this courageous posture adopted by what they considered a satellite state. They feared that if Bangladesh grows stronger and ber.nmes truly sovereign, it can be a big hurdle in path of their designs in the region. Therefore RAW decided to rein Bangladesh.

Indian policy makers thought if Bangladesh is allowed to prosper, the North-Eastern states of India which are adjacent to Bangladesh will be inspired further for independence. Even the insurgents of these states may get shelter and support form Bangladesh in days to come. To blockade this chance RAW thought it wise to use some ambitious Chakmas who are majority among the tnbals to destabilise and disintegrate Bangladesh. So RAW began to patronise late Manobendra Larma and others in organising a group named Janoshanghati Samity (JSS). Shanti Bahini was organized as its military wing. Training and arming of its cadres was undertaken in Tripura under supervision of

Indian instructors. thus the Indians did despite a clear clause in 'Bangladesh-India Friendship Treaty 1972' which stated that neither country would allow the use of its territory for committing any act that might cause military damage to, or constitute a threat to the security ofthe other country.Unveiling Larma's link with .f(AW, the weekly Friday reports. 'Mr. Manobendra Larma met Indian intelligence agency officers after crossing the broder in 1976(Weekly Friday: June 3, 1988).Yet when Larma realized his errors and tried to reach a peaceful settlement with Bangladesh Government, India foiled it. The Friday adds, 'The attempt to negotiate a settlement failed as the armed wing of Janoshanghati Samity (Shanti Bahini) initiated armed operations under Indian pressure in mid 1976'.

Ever-since the Shanti Bahini has been waging a bloody insurgency for creating a separate state called 'Jhumland' in Chittagong Hill Tracts region. It not only attacks security forces personnel but also targets innocent civilians who have settled in the Hill Tracts. The details of their cowardly acts are well known and we need not go into details of the same. However, the magnitude of Shanti Bahini cruelties can be assessed from the fact that it has so far (till Jul 95) killed over 25000 persons of security forces and non tribal civilians. They also have coerced some 50,000 Chakma tribals to migrate to Tripura, India where they are lodging in camps set up for them by RAW. Although majority of these so called refugees want to return to their homes, but they are not being allowed by RAW as it wants to use them in its .nefarious game. These refugee camps also serve as recruiting grounds for Shanti Bahini.

RAW has created divisions and factions in Shanti Bahini to stop emergence of leadership, who may come to terms with Bangladesh. On instigation by RAW, Mr. M. N. Larma was assassinated by rivals in his party on 10 December 1983 in Kallanpur camp of Shanti Bahini in Amarpur Sub Division of Tripura state. There are reports that his assassination was arranged after RAW concluded that M.N Larma would no longer serve their interests. This allegation gets credence due to the fact that the rival leader Mr. P.K. Chakma who was involved in murder of Mr. M.N. Larma is residip.g in Agartala as a state guest under protection of RAW.

After the death of M. N. Larma, his borther Mr Santoo Larma became leader of Shanti Bahini. He started talks with Bangladesh Government to solve the dispute but RAW arranged divisioh in his party which led to failure of talks.RAW also arranged a 'World Chakma Conference' at Calcutta, capital of West Bengal in April 1987. The four day long conference adopted several resolutions regarding separating the Chittagong Hill Tracts from Bangladesh and establishment of 'Jhumland'. The details of RAW's covert acions and involvement in Chittagong Hill Tracts insurgency have been exposed by many Chakma leaders themselves. Mr. Shamiron Dewan,Chairman of Khagrachari Local Council disclosed in a press conference that Indian Government is helping Shanti Bahini by giving shelter, money, arms and training. He added that the Chakmas have no genuine eco-political cause. They are being used by RAW for achieving India's geo-political interests.

Mr. Tridip Chakma a regional commander of Shanti Bahini ,for thirteen years, who later surrendered to Bangladesh authoritieR told the newsmen that 25 training camps are being run by RAW for Shanti Bahin} guerillas'in the Indian states of Tripura and Mizoram. Some separatists also received training in Deradoon, Uttar Pradesh. He said that Shanti Bahini compels tribal people to migrate to India and stay in refugee camps. Nine refugee camps have been set up at Sabrum, Shikichari, Boalpara, Kadamtolly, Daek, Barachara, Ralma, Trimakha and Ratnanager. He alleged that India continuously keeps propagating against Bangladesh regarding Chittagong Hill Tracts in a bid to make it an international issue(Bangladesh Observer: September 2, 1994).A Nepalese fortnightly 'The Spot Light' in its April 29, 1988 issue alleged that a group of Indian policy makers inimically uses Shanti Bahini to launch destructive activities inside Bangladesh. It said that the Chakma insurgents flee to their bases in India after their operations. It added that on several occasions the Chakma insurgents left behind huge India made arms and ammunition including sub-machine guns, carbines, SLRS, sten guns, 303 rifles while fleeing to India on being chased by Bangladeshi security forces.

In an interview with the 'Asia Age' Mr. Farooq Subhan, the' Ex-High Commissonner of Bangladesh to India, who is otherwise considered to be soft towards India alleged. 'The Government of Bangladesh felt that the main support for the Shanti Bahini was being provided by the Research and Analysis Wing in India(Daily Star: Decemebr 20, 1994). Indian propaganda experts spread news of human rights abuses in Chittagong Hill Tracts. RAW sponsored video films which falsely show brutalities by Banagladeshi Security Forces in Chittaogng Hill Tracts have been sent to the donor countries to suggest stoppage of aid to Bangladesh for violating human rights.

Question arises why India is helping this secessionist movement in Bangladesh.The answer lies in the following:

a. India does not want a stable, prosperous and strong Bangladesh. An ongoing insurgency will be a constant drain on Bangladesh's economy. Indians hope that by such tail twisting they can render Bangladesh to the status of a client state.

b. India wants to keep Chittagong Hill Tracts issue alive to pressurize Bangladesh and prevent her from adopting independent foreign policy. India wants that Bangladesh must align itself with Indian camp. The Chakma. Refugees and continuing insurgency are the tools in their hands to punish Bangladesh, should it ever falter in this regard.

c. Creation of a separate state in Chittagong Hill Tracts will weaken Bangladesh who can then be forced to abandon its claim of sovereignty and reduced to the status of Bhutan or even turned into Sikkim.

d. RAW maliciously propagates that insurgent groups of seven North-Eastern states use Chittagong Hill Tracts region for shelter and passage of arms and ammunition. They propound that setting up an Indian dominated state in Chittagong Hill Tracts will result in drying up of supply sources to militants and thus will cause serious setback to revolutionary movements in these Indian states (Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pardesh and Meghalaya). In other words according to RAW's theory, for consolidation of Indian North Eastern region, separation of Chittagong Hill Tracts from Bangladesh is essential.

e. Indian dream of getting transit through Chittagong Port to North Eastern states can be realized with establishment of a pro-Indian state in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

CHAPTER-23

Bangabhumi

RAW is actively pursuing its agenda to disintegrate Bangladesh. They always remain in search of an issue for fulfilling their objective. Since there is no division amongst masses with regards to language, ethnicity and culture, RAW has been relying upon religious differences to initiate and develop separatist movements in the country. Bangabhumi is the proposed name of a homeland for the Hindus who had migrated to India from East Bengal in the past. It is stated that one and half crore Hindus uprooted from the basins of Rivers Padma, Meghna and Madhumati who were forced to leave the area on account of economic deprivation and communal riots, now claim to have a right to settle in their own motherland. The state is planned to comprise of the districts of greater Khulna, Jessore, Kushtia, Faridpur, Barisal and Patuakhali of Bangladesh.

The start of Bangbhumi movement was announced on August 15, 1977. Its office is located in Ramlal Bazar of South Calcutta. The organisation styled itself as 'Nikhil Banga Nagarik Sangha' (All Bengal Citizen's Organisation). Mr. Sri Partha Samanta is the President and Mr. Kalidas Vaidya is the General Secretary of the Organisation. On March 25, 1982 'Nikhil Banga Nagarik Sangha' officially declared the formation of 'Bangabhumi'inside the territory of Bangladesh.Besides forming the 'Nikhil Banga Nagarik Sangha',RAW has also set up some paper organisations i.e., 'Bangla Liberation Organisation' styled on the pattern of 'Palestine Liberation Organisation' and 'Liberation Tigers of Bengal'on the pattern of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elarn.

Before we expose RAW's support to the Bangabhumi activists, it is pertinent to analyze rationale of their demand. It is a known fact that after partition in 1947 Hindus had the option to settle either in Pakistan or migrate to India. While many Hindus stayed back in the then East Pakistan, many others migrated to India. Likewise many Muslims left India and migrated to Pakistan. Such migrations were final and cannot be revoked on any pretext' now. The question arises that on what pretext RAW wants to create a separate homeland for Hindus who had migrated to India voluntarily at their own will from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1947. During the united Pakistan, and even prior to 1977, such a preposterous claim was never raised. Such an attempt amounts to interference in the independence, sovereignty and regional integrity of Bangladesh.

The total area of proposed Bangbhumi comes to 20 thousand square miles which is more than one third of the total area 'of Bangladesh. The border of Bangabhumi runs in the north along River Padma, in the east along River Meghna,in the west along India-Banglade'sh border and in the south along the Bay of Bengal. The declared capital of the s.tate is at Samantanager (Mukti Bhaban or Freedom House) which has no apparent existence. According to reliable sources Samantanager is nom de plum for Bangabhumi HQ established in a house named 'Sunny Villa' in Bhabanipur, Calcutta. This house is owned by Mr. Chittaranjan Sutar, a famous RAW agent. 'Sunny Villa' had once played a pioneering role in organising activities for disintegration of Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh. That very Sunny Villa is again active and is being utilised this time for disintegr,ating Bangladesh. The reason is that Bangladesh has declined to bow before Indian designs thus it ought to be taught a lesson.

The flag of proposed Bangabhumi state comprises of one third green colour and the two third of saffron colour. In the middle of the saffron colour is the white sun. On the top of the stand is' a circle. The National Anthem is the faIrlous song of poet Dijendra Lal Roy: 'Dhana Dhanye Pushpe Bhara, Arnader Ei Basundhara'. (This land of ours filled with crops and flowers). The National Symbol is depicted by a green circle in another saffron coloured circle with word 'Sri', (Symbol of beauty and prosperity) written in the saffron circle. The state policy proposed to be adopted ~s non-communal and humanism. The name of propsed radio station is 'Bangabani' keeping in line with 'Akashvani' and its' call s-ign is 'Joy Banga' in line with 'Jai Hind' of India.

An armed wing of the organisation named 'Bangasena' has also been formed. The Commander of this armed force is Mr Kalidas Vaidya. The main organiser and trainer of Bangasena is Arun Ghosh. The only condition for enlistment in 'Bangasena' is that the recruit should be a resident or had been a resident or born in East Bengal. If either of the answers is in affirmative then he is considered eligible to be enlisted in 'Bangasena'. The daily Anandabazar Patrika of Calcutta, while writing about ''Bangasena' reported, 'The majority mempers of this Bangasena which is a voluntary force lack any plitical consciousness. They are utterly communal in their outlook, semiliterate and very emotional (Daily Anandabazar : September 13, 1989).

RAW has deliberately recruited Hindu fanatics and extremists in the organisation so that it is easy to get any mischief done from them. However, the experts say that though Bangasena apparently comprises of riff raffs of Calcutta, but many former officers and personnel of the Indian Armed Forces are also working behind the scene.The supporters and activists of Bangabhumi had threatened to enter into Bangladesh from India many times in the past. But all their attempts failed. In Bangladesh they had circulated posters and publicity material printed in India through agents of RAW. Many such posters, leaflets and pamphlets were seized by police from Naryanganj, Kushtia, Jessore, Khulna and Barisal.

Besides, police also seized many so-called flags of Bangabhumi which the agents of RAW had smuggled from India for hoisting on Government buildings. However, the RAW agents did manage to hoist Bangabhumi flag at three places in Tala Thana of Jessore. But the local people and the police immediately seized the flags. Bangabhumi leaders also sent letters to the Deputy Commissioners and other senior officers of the area threatening them to ex-communicate with Government of Bangladesh by March 23, 1985 and owe their allegiance to the so called Bangabhumi Government failing which they will be killed alongwith their families.

To create harassment amongst Bangladeshis of this region and to attract international news media, RAW provoked its agents to launch an ,attack on the office of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Calcutta (April 11, 1994). The agents of RAW justified their actiQn by saying that since Bangabhumi has come into being, therefore, they were justified to own .and occupy Bangladeshi Mission in Calcutta. They attacked building of Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in presence of Indian police, entered into the premises of the Mission and hoisted the flag of so called Bangabhumi. . RAW had enacted similar drama through its agents at the office of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on August 15, 1984.

RAW wants to create disturbances, terrorism and communal trouble in Banladesh on the plea of Bangabhumi movement. The agents of 'Bangasena' who are armed with mo~ern weapons are looki"ng for an opportunity to infiltrate into Bangladesh. Thereafter they will create such conditions in the region through blood letting and rioting that India may be justified to march in its regular Armed Forces into the area to establish 'peace and order'. That is how Indians are ultimately planning to separate western part of Bangladesh. However, this is a long term plan. For the time being, the Bangasena is being nurtured by RAW to function as a pressure group to compel Bangladesh to adopt a Pro-India policy. Nevertheless they are being prepared for the fore mentioned greater objective to be pursued in due course. After all RAW is not an orphan house that it will keep spending crores of rupees on such organisations without any ultimate aim in view.

CHAPTER-24

MOHAJIR SANGHA

There is no end to RAW's anti-Bangladesh activities. RAW is relentlessly pursuing the agenda to harass and subjugate Bangladesh. A net of conspiracies is being regularly dished out from its research cell for this purpose.As part of its strategy to destabilize Bangledesh, RAW is promoting a mushroom growth of organisations involved in anti-Bangladesh activities covering all fields including political, economic, cultural and terrorist activities. Some of the RAW ,partronized organisations in India are Bangabhumi Movement, Bangladesh Udvastu Kalyan Parishad (Bangladesh Refugee Welfare Organisation) and Bangladesh Mohajir Sangha (Bangladesh Mohajir Organisation) etc. The first organisation i.e., the 'Bangabhumi Movement' is demanding establishment of a separate homeland for the Hindus in Bangladesh comprising the district of greater Faridpur, Kushtia, Jessore, Khulna, Barisal and Patuakhali. It is threatening to launch an armed movement for realizing its objective.

The second organisation is composed of Hindus who at the time of partition in 1947 had migrated to India on their own after disposing off their movable and immovable properties. Now they are complaining that they were forced to leave the then East Pakistan and they claim to return to Bangladesh. They also want to get back their properties.

The third organisation, 'Bangladesh Mohajir Sangha' claims to represent Muslims of Bangladesh who had entered India illegally in the past under various compulsions and now they want to come back to their motherland i.e., Bangaldesh. The organisation is a front for the Indians to help in push back of so called illegal migrants from Bangaldesh. In this chapter I shall briefly explain the origin, activities and objectives of Mohajir Sangha.

Bangladesh Mohajir Sangha was formally launched by its so called leaders on February 12, 1991 by holding a press conference at Calcutta press club. The dramatic emergence of this organisation was given wide coverage by radio, television and newspapers in India. Since radio and television are government controlled, so it can be easily and safely presumed who the actual sponsors were. The statement of Mohajir Sangha broadcast by All India Radio and telecasted by Dooradarshan says, "We are the Muslims of Bangladesh who had illegally entered India in thousands. Now being fed up ofliving in India we appeal to World Human Rights Commission for our repatriation"(Monthly Kalam : February 1992).

The question arises that how was it possible for such a large number of Muslims to illegally cross the borders without the Indian border security forces even noticing them. More so how did the Hindus allow them to settle in India for such a long time and that they were never arrested or jailed. Now all of a sudden they emerge from no where and start demanding repatriation to Bangladesh.The president of Mohajir Sangha is a rickshaw driver named Raisuddin Ahmed. He is assisted in his anti-Bangladesh activities by Chittaranjan Sutar. Intrigued by the activities of Mohajir Sangha and the unprecedented interest of Indian Government and media, a correspondent of Indian Monthly 'Kalam' conduct~d detailed inquiry to ascertain how this organisation was established and financed. 'Kalam,' in its issue of February 1992, published a lengthy report comprising of 14 pages regarding Mohajir Sangha and Udbastu Kalyan Parishad. The correspondent of 'Kalam' also held two intimate interviews with the President of Mohajir Sangha Raisuddin Ahmed.

As a result of the investigation the magazine correspondent was able to trace the true details and addresses of this organisation. The President Mr. Raisuddin lives in a hut in the slum area on the banks of Ganges-Kashipur in Calcutta. He used to drive a hired rickshaw of one Nimai Gosh. He claimed that he originally belonged to a village in the District of Jessore in Bangladesh and had illegally migrated to India some years ago. However, he could not substantiate his claim about being Bangladeshi national. He is illiterate. The magazine noted that it is virtually impossible for an illiterate person like Mr. Raisuddin to draft such sophisticated leaflets containing appeals in the name of human rights supported by English quotations, leave alone getting them printed and distributing amongst international community. Raisuddin admitted during interview that Hindu babus make these arrangements and also provide finance for the organisation.

Actually it is RAW that finances its members. Raisuddin now does not drive the rickshaw and mostly remains busy in meetings and processions. According to the publicity leaflets the head office of Mohajir Sangha is shown at 5/1, Khagendranath Chattejee Road, Calcutta-2, but actually the headquarters is located at Bhabanipur in a house named 'Sunny villa', (House No 21, Dr. Rajendra Road, Northern Park, Calcutta-700020,telephone 751032 and 756935). The long time resident of palatial Sunny villa is RAW's most trusted, faithful and successful agent Chittaranjan Sutar. It is common knowledge that in the year 1970 the Indian intelligence had handed over this multi-storied building to Chittaranjan Sutar for organising operations against erstwhile East Pakistan. From this villa were initiated all strategies, plans, instructions, coordination and supervision, for disintegrating Pa~istan. Chittaranjan Sutar originally belonged to Barisal, Bangladesh. He and his two other colleagues Kalidas Vaidya and Nirod Majumdar were engaged since 1952 in activities aimed at disintegration of Pakistan. He migrated to India in 1969.After emergence of Bangladesh as an independent state Chittaranjan Sutar returned to Bangladesh with pomp and show. During 1973 elections he obtained nomination from Awami League and contested elections from Swarupkathi constituency. He won the election and became member of Bangladesh Parliament. After assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 he went back to Sunny Villa in Calcutta and stationed himself there for good.

Chittaranjan Sutar is not satisfied with the disintegration of Pakistan and consequent emergence of Bangladesh. His aim, as, directed by RAW, is to gradually integrate Bangladesh with India. But due to the changed scenario he could not implement his vicious designs. RAW drew a new strategy; that of partitioning Bangladesh. Chittaranjan Sutar is involved in implementation of the new game plan. As a part of this scheme the plans were drawn to constantly keep on harassing Bangladesh on different issues. Mohajir Sangha was one such weapon to harass Bangladesh. Through Mohajir Songha, Indians wanted to convince the rest of the world that illegal immigration of Bangladeshis into India was not merely propaganda but it was really happening. Thus creating. Justification for eviction of lakhs of Muslims from Indh{where they had lived for generations. Such mass exodus into an already over populous country like Bangladesh will spell doom for the country. Besides, under the garb of these so-called Mohajirs, RAW would infiltrate into Bangladesh its trained terrorists. India can provoke the so-called Mohajirs to claim a separate homeland and may even instigate them to wage subversive actions against Bangladesh culminating into a limited war.

Meanwhile in different Indian states lakhs of Muslims have been discriminated by not enlisting them as voters. They have been denied this right despite the fact that they are Indian nationals and are residing in India since generations. Some who were earlier enlisted as voters and had been casting their votes "in the past elections have also been denied entry in new election roles. The main purpose of this scheme of RAW is to establish that lakhs of Muslims had illegally infiltrated into India from Bangladesh and prepare a strong base for th~ir repatriation.

During the visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister to India in 1991 RAW arranged a mass sit-in and hunger strike by the Mohajir Sangha. A leaflet circulated at the occasion by Mohajir Sangha read, 'foreign aid misappropriated, sovereignty at stake, basic principles of constitution framed after independence abandoned, a few people have usurped all the wealth of Bangladesh and have destroyed the economic base of B"angladesh, the labour class has been rendered into beggars.Their demands included holding trial of killers of Bangabandhu, rehabilitation of labour and restoration of the human rights. A memorandum was also submitted to the Bangladesh Foreign Minister on this occasion.

From the language of the above mentioned leaflet the objectives of the Mohajir Sangha can be easily guessed. Needless to mention that the memorandum presented to the Foreign Minister was given wide publicity through the government media i.e.; All India Radio and Doordarshan.Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the foreign embassies and missions in New Delhi.RAW arranged wide media publicity for the activities of Mohajir Sangha. Incredible editorials and articles were published in newspapers like Ananda Bazar Patrika, Bartaman, Jugantar, Statesman, Sunday, Swatikatha, Ganashakti etc. All these papers gave wide coverage to the statements of Mohajir Sangha. The papers expres~ed their indignation at the failure of the Government in identifying the infiltrators and arranging their eviction. Curiously enough Mr. Raisuddin, the man who confessed himself of illegally infiltrating into India was not arrested. The media did not utter even a single wort! to say under what right of the law such an illegal infiltrator had started an organisation in India, held a press conference, took out a procession with the slogan of 'Allahu Akbar', held mass hunger strike and how their activities were given wide coverage through government media i.e. Doordarshan and All India Radio.

The papers did not raise any question about it, because they knew that Bangladesh Mohajir Sangha was, in fact, their weapon for Bangladesh bashing. They understood that this weapon should not be blunted, rather it has to be kept sharpened ever and always. The establishment of organisations such as Mohajir Sangha is proof enough of the fact that RAW and in turn the Government of India is actively and continuously harassing Bangladesh. The most unfortunate part, however, is that no effort is made in Bangladesh to expose these Indian designs. Our common people and even the educated class in the urban areas do not know any thing about it. Experienced observers are of the view that RAW has strong influence over important state organs and individuals who connive with RAW. Unless RAW's agents in various echelons of Bangladesh are eliminated the country's interests and sovereignty will remain at the risk of being compromised.

CHAPTER-25

PUSH BACK

'Push Back' is the common term used to describe Indian scheme to send hundreds of thousands of Indian citizens into Bangladesh. India claims that these' people had illegally entered into -India from Bangladesh and thus should be 'pushed back' to their country. At occasions Indians did try to push back some people, but prompt action by Bangladesh authorities thwarted their efforts. However, a critical analysis indicates that the issue has been coined by RAW with long term ulterior motives. These include :

a. To raise bogy of an imaginary threat of large scale infiltration from Bangladesh into India and thus arousing public sentiments against Bangladesh. RAW believes that to have real or imaginary enemies is necessary for maintaining national integration.

b. A large number of agents can be penetrated and permanently settled in Bangladesh by RAW using the cover of push back. These agents can then work for disintegration of Bangladesh from within.

c. The issue can be used as an excuse to wage war against Bangladesh in the name of securing rights of large number of Bangladeshi refugees. Ever since the creation of Bangladesh various Indian Governments have been endeavouring to whip up the issue. Dr. SS Bindra in his book 'India and Her Neighbours' (page 166) writes, "During Sheikh Mujib's regime, theGovernment of India protested to Bangladesh that large number of Bangladeshi nationals had entered into West Bengal.

The Bangladesh Government denied that any of their nationals had crossed over into India. They argued that these immigrants were actually 'Indian nationals' who had traveled to Bangladesh when the freedom struggle in Bangladesh was going on. But after some time they returned to their own country. Commenting on the issue The Daily Statesman wrote on 13 October 1974, "It is possible that a sizeable number of 1947 refugees had returned to their original homes in 1971.

But Bangladesh Government considers them aliens. Many of them returned to India who are now considered as Bangladeshi nationals by India. It is obvious that Bangladesh cannot accept such an absurd claim. The migration in the wake of partition of 1947 was final. No body has the right to reclaim his original nationality after 48 or 24 years. Actually after 1971 Hindus of West Bengal had wanted to regain their lands and property in Bangladesh which they sold while migrating to India in 1947. They 'thought Bangladeshi Muslims would not dare to face these Indian Hindus because of Indian pressure. With these hopes they had returned to Bangladesh after the surrender of Pakistan Army. Bangladesh authorities could not check this exodus because no organized authority existed in the country at that time due to the war. However, these people were never officially recognized as Bangladeshi nationals. When these people returned to India, in fact, they returned to their own country. Thus Indian claim that these people are Bangladeshis, is totally untenable.

The Indian propaganda about infiltration of Bangladeshis into India has continued unabated. It is used as a means to divert attention of the people from internal problems of the region (West Bengal and North Eastern states). Recently Indian Home Minister Mr. SB Chaven stated in an interview to BBC that hundreds 'of thousands of Bangladeshis are entering India illegally everyday (Daily Janata : May 14, 1995).
One should ask India that how it was possible for such large numbers to cross over the border in the presence of elaborate network of Indian border, security agencies? There are 882 Indian border outposts along the Indo-Bangladesh border. In comparison Bangladesh has only 462 border outposts. '

Mr. Tapan Sikdar, President of West Bengal BJP unit told in an interview to Monthly Kalam, January 1994, 'There are 7.5 million Bangladeshi Muslim immigrants in West Bengal and in total 20 million throughout India. Again one is at a loss to understand how such a large scale, migration could take place without being noticed and checked at the borders.

Actually RAW wants to inflate figures to pressurize Bangladesh and in the process obtain her commitment to take back at least token numbers. In this regard RAW had also organized 'Muhajir Sangha', a movement of so called Bangladeshi immigrants in India who claim to go back to Bangladesh. ,Details of this organisation are given in another chapter.

An interesting point to note is that while Central Government is crying hoarse about illegal immigration, the state Governments of West Bengal and Assam have been stating that no illegal immigrants are staying in their states. Similarly before assumption of power by BJP Government in Maharashtra, there was no talk of illegal Bangladeshi Muslim immigrants in Bombay. The dichotomy in stands of various state Governments clearly indicates the falsehood of the claim. While BJP is fuelling the issue due to its communal out look, the Central Government has other ulterior motives. Foremost is the diversion of attention of the people from their grievances and giving them a plausible justification for their sufferings.

Let us first take the case of West Bengal. People of West Bengal feel that they have been exploited and deprived of their due share. In Calcutta 68% houses and 80% industrial units are owned by non-Bengalis. Out of 80 jute mills in West Bengal, 79 are owned by 10 non-Bengalee families. 60% of the labour force in Calcutta are non-Bengalis. Almost all top positions in industrial sector are held by non-Bengalees.

The Bengali language has virtually become alien in its own home. Particularly in urban areas Hindi has become the lingua franca. Hindi films are screened in most of the cinemas. Sign boards of Government offices as well as number plates of motor vehicles are forbidden to be written in BangIa language.Calcutta which was the most developed city of India at the time of partition has turned into virtual slum due to constant neglect and lack of development work. Similarly lack of industrial development added to people's economic miseries. As a result many people have migrated to other states and cities in search of jobs. These include Muslims as well as Hindus of West Bengal. While the Hindu migrants from West Bengal are accepted by other states, the Bengali Muslims of West Bengal are discriminated against and labeled as Bangladeshis. This is indeed display of sheer prejudice against Muslims in so called secular India.

The exodus of Muslims from West Bengal is evident from the fact that while at the time of partition, population of Muslims in West Bengal was 45%, now it has shrunk to 29%. Where have the others gone? Certainly there have been no reports about such large scale migration from India to Bangladesh. Situation in Assam is no different which has been systematically deprived of its natural wealth by Central Government. As stated by Mr. AK Das in his book Assam's Agony', 'There has been serious lack of interest on part of
the Government for developing communication, power, education, health, social welfare, agriculature and industries in Assam'. .Mr. Das further writes-in his book,'The Government of India neglected the North East Region in the development of industnes: in the public sector. The Government has made about 20 percent of its investments in Maharashtra and Gujarat as compared to only 5 percent in this region.

The North East Region has only 21 large and medium scale industrial units out. of 15,000 in India. India has 1,750,000 small-scale industrial units with investments of Rs 12,000. million. But this region has only 3,000 units with a paltry investment of Rs. 150 million. The industrial employment is only 4 percent as compared to 20 per cent in India'(Assam's Agony, Page -233).Assam produces 58% tea of total Indian production and 30% of total tea productfon of the world. But only one - ninth of the total tea is auctioned in Gauhati. Rest is auctioned in Calcutta and other places. Agriculture goods'worth 30,000 million rupees are taken llway from Assam to other parts of India annually. 60% crude petroleum of total Indian production is extracted in Assam.

Similarly large quantity of natural gas is also extracted in Assam. But Assam's share in Government funds is not proportionate to its contribution. 60% Government employees in Assam are outsiders. The share of Assamese working in Assam in railways is 14%, telegraph and postal services is 10% and, plywood industries lis 15%. The remaining employees in these departments are all from other states.In such a situation, the growth of discontentment is natural. Therefore separatist movements have grown in Assam and other North Eastern states. The seriousness of the situation was acknowledged by no body less than Indian Army Chief himself who recently stated that insurgency situation in North East region was next only'to Kashmir. However, instead of taking appropriate corrective measures' to obviate people's sense of deprivation, the Central Government created the bogy of infiltration from Bangladesh as an excuse for poor development of the region. Initially some people in Assam bought the idea. 'Assam Gano Parishad' adopted it as election slogan in 1985 and came to power. However, gradually truth has dawned, on the people. They now understand Central Government's machinations. That is why Mr. Saikia, the present Chief Minister of Assam categorically stated recently that there were no illegal Bangladeshis in Assam.

On the other hand Central Government ministers still keep harping on the same old theme.Let us also discuss, the illegal immigrants issue propounded by Maharasl1tra Government of BJP. Reportedly many Bengali speaking Muslim families have been uprooted from Bombay, but independent observers noted that all of them belonged to West Bengal. AFP after sampling 100 such families reported that these people had come from West Bangal and not from Bangladesh.

However, Maharashtra Government is bent upon calling them Bangladeshis as they. happen to be Bengali speaking Muslims. Do they want.to say that only Hindus have right to belong to West Bengal?It is quite apparent 'from the above discussion that so called 'Push Back' is a ploy used by India to pressurize Bangladesh, besides diverting attention of the people of aggrieved states. RAW cleverly and wickedly uses the issue to raise anti-Bangladesh hysteria whenever necessary for internal or external reasons.

RAW' believes that by such tactics it can keep Bangladesh under pressure and hence push it to total subjugation. Moreover, use of the issue by the Indians in combination with their bigger game plan i.e. invasion of Bangladesh claiming that their national interests have been endangered due to large scale alien immigrants, cannot be ruled out.

CHAPTER-26

HINDU ORGANIZATIONS

RAW has sponsored the establishment of a large number of Hindu organizations in Bangladesh for a variety of purposes to include; rendering support to pro-Indian political parties, to give shelter to Indian terrorists, to divide people on various issues, to spread communal and class hatred and finally to create favourable conditions for merger of Bangladesh into India. Common people are not fully aware of all such organizations and their activities. They mostly know only about some political groups and cultural forums who are widely reputed to be pro-India. However, there are many other organizations that are working against national interests and it is important that their activities should be brought to the notice of our people. Of particular interest in this regard are the RAW sponsored organizations of minority community.

The Hindu communalists have not till today reconciled with the partition of India in 1947. They may be living in Bangladesh but their loyalty and allegiance are with India. Many of their communal organizations are working to undo the partition. In other words they are working against the integrity of Bangladesh. RAW is their main financier. However, these organizations also get financial and other support from various extremist Hindu parties of India including BJP, VHP, Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal etc. The only overt organisation of minorities is Hindu Buddha-Christian Oikya Parishad. Other organisations work so discreetly that not much is known about their activities out side their own community.

Names of some of these organisations are :

a. Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Samaj Sanskar Samity (BJHSSS).

b. Pranab Moth Shevasharam (It was re-organised from defunct Bharat Shevasharam).

c. Bangladesh Sant Mohamandal.

d. Bangladesh Hindu Foundation.

e. Vishwa Dharma Shanti Shammelan Bangladesh.

f. Bangladesh Chaitanna Shanskritic Shangh.

g. International Society for Krishna Conciousness(ISKcoN). Its head Office is in Mayapur, District Nadia, West Bengal, India.

h. Ananda Marg(Daily Meillat : June 7, 1992).

Besides above, a number of other small organisations also exist which virtually work as the Bangladesh branches of communal extremist Hindu organisations of India. These organisations outwardly profess to be doing humanitarian work i.e. alleviation of illiteracy etc. but actually these are dedicated for doing communal work.Some minority organisations also publish newspapers and magazines etc. A Hindu magazine 'Samaj Darpan' is published by Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Samaj Sanskar Samity (BJHSSS). Its office is located at Vholagiri Ashram, K. S. Lane, Dhaka. The cover page of their magazine .is printed in Calcutta, India, due to the lack of photographs of Hindu gods and goddesses in Bangladesh.

It is believed that the entire expenses on printing and publication of this magazine are borne by RAW. Reportedly BJHSSS also published booklets - and leaflets supporting Bangabhumi movement and Akhand Bharat.The head of BJHSSS, Mr. Shiv Shankar Chakarvarti,who is also the editor of Samaj Darpan is reported to have close links with Indian Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). He is also a supporter of Bangabhumi movement. His close associates include Mr. Bijoy Nandi, head of India Shevasharam, Mr. Vinod Bihari Chowdhury, President Bangladesh Hindu FOl1ndation and Mr. RN Das Gupta, Secretary General Vishwa Shanti Shammelan.

According to the Daily Meillat, June 10 1992, Mr. Bijoy Nandi told in a meeting of Bangabhumi activists at Bangaon, West Bengal that in 1972 the then Government of Bangladesh had given permission to the organisation (India Shevasharam) to work in Bangladesh due to personal influence of Mrs. Indira Ghandi. After the assassination of Sheikh Mujib on 15 August, 1975 all officials of the organisation fled to India. Later they returned to Bangladesh and formed another organisation named Pronab Moth Shevasharam.

The Daily Meillat, 8 June, 1992 wrote: 'Mr. Shiv Shanker Chkarvarti holds positions in different organisations. He is a member of executive committee of VHP in India and the chief co-ordinator of VHP in Bangladesh. He is also member of executive committee of Nepal based Hindu Mahasangha, President of Hindu Samaj Sanskar Samity, Editor of the Samaj Darpan and above all, chief cashier of Apex Group of Industries. He earned much recognition from RAW for working as a sincere local agent. His magazine 'Samaj Darpan' is notorious for making massive anti-Bangladesh and anti-Muslim rhetoric. He spreads message of communal hatred and continuously propagates that "Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh. At times his writings are so provocative that these amount to inciting Hindus to take up arms for getting their so called due rights. Mr. Bijoy Nandi, who is the President of pronab Moth. Shevasharam, in his speeches, launches ferocious attacks against Bangladeshi Muslim community. He has been inciting and urging Hindu youth to join Bangabhumi movement.

The Daily Meillat, June, 10, 1992 quoted him saying: 'You (Hindus) laid down your lives to secure independence of India. Your forefathers fought against the aggressor Pathans and Mughals to save the temples ofIndia. Your forefathers also fought to safeguard our religion and civilization from the atrocities of Aurangzeb. My dear fellow beings! the youth of Bengal and India! Come and join Bengasena and attack Bangladesh to establish Bangabhumi in six south western districts (Faridpur, Kushtia, Jessor, Khulna, Barisal and Patuakhali). Let the UNO and the USA be damned. Let Bangladesh know our strength. Let Indian Muslims understand that Hindus are still alive and powerful!The biggest Hindu organisation in Bangladesh is'Bangladesh Sant Mohamandal'. Its members are spread all over Bangladesh. It has 267 -member Central Committee. It also has a 10-member Presidium Council.

Bangladesh Sant Mohamandal has close links with the Communist Party of Bangladesh and 5 Parties Alliance who are blamed to be pro-India. It tries to control rural politics of Bangladesh through Hindu voters. It also co-ordinates electoral policy of Hindu voters in collaboration with a large national secular political party. The organisation also serves as a recruiting ground for RAW.

All-- these organisations are engaged in relentless propaganda against Bangladesh. They spread misinformation, rumours and false reports to paint Bangladesh in poor light. On the contrary India is depicted as a mighty super power. The aim of such propaganda is to convince people that existence of Bangladesh as an independent country is not viable. They quote fictitious figures to prove their point and argue that merger of Bangladesh in Indian union will be in the larger interest of the Bangladeshi people. Members of these organisations are willing and dutiful supporters of RAW in its campaign against Bangladesh.

They are very motivated for the cause of 'Akhand Bharat' and in many cases work without any financial or other rewards. They are hardened Hindus who are willing to render any sacrifice. They provide all types of support required by RAW in its operations. From managing safe houses to the conduct of terrorist activities, these volunteers are willing to accomplish any task. Due to their discipline and dedication it is difficult to penetrate these organisation. Hence they are able to do their activities in total secrecy. RAW is indeed lucky to have a large community of hard core and motivated Hindus in Bangladesh who is ready to. do anything for the cause of Akhand Bharat. This situation can indeed be compared to the support enjoyed by MOSSAD from all Jewish people.

These extremist Hindu organizations are posing grave threat to country's independence and communal peace. Due to their extreme secrecy and discreet working, very little is known about their activities. Taking advantage of the situation, RAW is sponsoring more such religious organizations day by day. It is time that our Government realizes the threat from such communal organizations and necessary steps are taken to regulate the working of these so called religious organizations.

CHAPTER-27

ARMED FORCES

Nobody now refutes the proposition that India in engineering dismemberment of Pakistan in 1971, had really aimed at taking a step forward to re-establish united India. In view of her said goal, India ensured right from 1971 that Bangladesh does not become a strong country. India wants that Bangladesh should remain a nominally independent country like Bhutan and Sikkini which could be occupied later by India when she desires. In furtherance of the said aim India had forced the 1971 Interim Government of Bangladesh to sign a treaty of subservience. One of the clauses of the treaty was that Bangladesh will not raise any Armed Forces of its own. Indians had told the then Interim Government in exile that Bangladesh does not need an 'Army' because she is surrounded on three sides by India and the other side by natural sea. Since India was a friendly country, therefore, there will be ne danger of an aggression by her. If any other power resorts to an aggression against Bangladesh, Indian Army would defend Bangladesh, they advised that for internal security Bangladesh should raise a militia force.

That is why Rakhi Bahini was formed after creation of Bangladesh. When Sheikh Mujib still decided to raise national Army it was opposed by India. However, he decided to go ahead with the raising of the Army despite India's opposition. Thus a small Army was raised comprising of soldiers of Pakistan Army who had taken part in freedom struggle. Later most of the army personnel repatriated from Pakistan in 1973 were also enrolled in Bangladesh Army.

RAW apprehended that if Bangladesh succeeds in building powerful Armed Forces, it will become difficult for India to realize her dream about merger of the new country into India. The Indians knew well about the courage and skill of the Bengali army men. The experience gained during -the liberation war was an additional asset for Bangladesh Army. Indian policy planners concluded that even small Bangladesh Army might in future pose a threat to their aggressive designs.

Indian designs against Bangladesh Army were evident from the very beginning. They did not leave any military equipment captured from Pakistan Army in the then East Pakistan. In this regard the Daily Meillat reported, "The Indians took away the abandoned military hardwares(tanks, artillery, guns etc.) worth Taka 80,000 million of the Pakistan Army's Eastern Command in order for materialization of their goal i.e. not to permit Bangladesh Army to grow strong(Daily Meillat : May 26, 1993).When Indians realized that Sheikh Mujib is determined to raise an Army in defiance of the treaty signed by Interim Bangladesh Government and India, they encouraged a dissident party to take up the issue of raising a people's Army or 'Gano Bahini'. The dissident leaders started propagating that Bangladesh does not require a regular professional Army. They labeled the Army as God's Khasi (castrated of God). They organised so-called 'Revolutionary Soldier's Council' to realise the goal of 'Scientific Socialism'. It was actually formed to create division and disunity among the rank and file of the Armed Services.

Soon after the change over of 1975 some cadres of Gono Bahini attempted to create chaos and lawlessness in the country. RAW also stage-managed fake kidnapping in Dhaka of Mr Samor Sen, the then Indian High 90mmissioner in Bangladesh. The aim was to create plausible excuse for India to move in Indian Army into Bangladesh. However, the 'kidnapping' drama did not go too far and thus Bangladesh was saved from direct Indian aggression. After coming to power the late President Ziaur Rahman re-organized the Armed Forces. He gave them an honourable position in the society. But RAW did its best to obstruct him. That is the reason for so many coups staged against Ziaur Rahman. He was killed in the 19th coup attempt. Although apparently the coups were aimed at ousting Zia but the ultimate goal was to weaken or liquidate the Armed Forces.

RAW engineered conspiracies to divide rank and file of the Bangladesh Army in various groups. The division between 'Freedom Fighters' and 'Repatriated' was fuelled to pave way for internal strife and disintegration. RAW has also been endeavoring to project Bangladesh Army as'anti-people'. During the peak period of anti-Ershad movement, RAW spread a rumour that the Army was supporting Ershad. The rumor was aimed at damaging the popularity of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh.In order to protect country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity there is no substitute to adequately strong Armed Forces. If Sikkim had an effective and strong Army she would not have been occupied and annexed by India.On the other hand Srilanka could withstand Indian pressure because she has her own effective Army .The Maldives, on the contrary, had to seek Indian Army's help to drive out Indian henchmen from Maldives, because she had no Armed Forces of her own.

Bangladesh must have its own Army not only to thwart aggression from abroad but also to quell internal troubles and rebellions. The credit goes to valiant Bangladesh Army for checking nefarious designs of Shanti Bahini. If Bangladesh did not have an effective Army, Indian supported Chakma insurgents might well have succeeded in dividing the country. Similarly Indian Army would have marched into Bangladesh on any flimsy pretext. The need for strong Army is further highlighted by growing internal threats supported by- India in form of secessionist movements in Bangladesh in the name and style of Jhumland, Hinduland (Bangabhumi) and Garoland etc.

However, the RAW sponsored henchmen have been unleashing constant propaganda against the Armed Forces primarily on financial grounds. Every year before the presentation of budget, discussion starts in newspapers calling for reduction of military expenditure. While need for increasing budgetary provisions for education and health is acknowledged, such increase cannot be made at the cost of Armed forces. Appropriate military expenditure is necessary if country's existence and sovereignty are to be safeguarded. Everything else comes after the safety of the state.

Let us now have a look at comparisons between defence expenditures ofJndia and Bangladesh published in Daily Sangram. "India's population size and economy are both seven and a half times larger than that of Bangladesh. But her defence spending is 23 times higher than that of Bangladesh. It is, therefore, a matter of simple arithmetic that our military expeJ1r1iture should be increased three-fold to match the Indian expenditure. The defence expenditute of Bangladesh in 1995-96 was increased only 2.5% over the previous year. India in contrast increased her defence expenditure by 18% in 1995--:96 over the last year's expenditure"(Daily Sangram : June. 23, 1995).

India is one of the poorest countries of the world. 30% of Indian people live in slums or bastees.50% dwellers of Bombay, 45% of Delhi and 65% of Calcutta live in the slum areas. 90% of Indian children live in malnutrition. 50% of Indian youth suffer from energy deficiency due to malnutrition. 216 million Indians do not have access to clean drinking water. 55 million children in India are engaged in child labour. 75% of the primary school going chilldern cannot afford to attend primary school due to extreme poverty. A World Bank report says "By the year 2000 A. D. the largest number of illiterates will live in India".

This poor country (India) has been building her military might and creating tension, rivalry and scare in the region. But RAW's stooges in Bangladesh are totally mum about it. If India agrees to cut her military expenditure, other regional countries will be too willing to reduce their military expenditure.Our defence forces are the protector and guardian of our independence. Despite RAW's. efforts, the Armed Forces are possibly the only institution in Bangladesh which have still remained relatively free of RAW's influence. ,But it does not mean that RAW has given up her designs against our Armed Forces.RAW has organised an elaborate espionage apparatus through its agents who are relentlessly trying to collect classified information and documents about our national defence. In the past many such RAW agents were arrested by police and our intelligence agencies. Here are a few examples. "Some RAW agents who were engaged in collecting maps and other secret documents of restricted area at Rajshahi have been arrested at Rajshahi. They include Sanjib Roy, Gaynath MandaI, Balram Mehata, Rampada Sardar and Ayazuddin. Most of them were hired to work for RAW man in the Indian Deputy High Commission at Rajshahi"(Daily Sangram : Decemebr 26, 1992).

"The police has arrested 5 persons for smuggling of valuabel state documents. Indian intelligence Agency RAW is believed to be involved"(Daily Sangram : December 11, 1992)."The law enforcing agencies have detained 10 persons including a former cabinet member of the deposed President Ershad in connection with a spy ring allegedly run by RAW. The agencies are looking for ,a number of other persons for their involvement in the smuggling of confidential documents of the country"(Daily New Nation: August 15, 1993)."A former Indian diplomat, M.r.GR Makashi was expelled from Bangladesh on June 6, 1993. Mr. Makashi, who earlier was First Secretary in Indian High Commission in Dhaka was reportedly expelled on the charge of espionage. and anti-state activities. A local newspaper reported that Mr. Makashi had returned to Dhaka after resigning from service. He set up a garment factory in Dhaka's posh Dhanmondi residential area in partnership with others. He was being kept under watch by police due to his suspicious activities"(The Hindu International: June 19, 1993).

Indian High Commission at Dhaka and Deputy High Commissions at Rajshahi and Chittagong serve as hubs for espionage activities against Bangladesh Armed Forces. Besides, large scale trans-border espionage is also carried out by agents of Indian Military Intelligence, Border Security Force Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau and. notorious RAW as well. RAW's evil designs against Bangladesh Armed Forces are still continuing. We pray that this vital institution remains safe from RAW's menacing onslaught.

CHAPTER-28

CAMPUS VIOLENCE

The force that can effectively foil Indian hegemonistic designs is our student community. RAW has applied maximum efforts to extend its influence in our campuses to materialize her master plan. RAW is working on a long term programme directed to misguide and mislead student community and to spoil the congenial academic atmosphere in our educational institutions. Indians had been working in our educational institutions since the Pakistan period. Indian intelligence agencies had succeeded in influencing a group of student leaders during the student's movement of 1962.

This influence was further expanded during the 6-point movement. After creation of RAW in Septemebr 1968, India's influence on the student leaders increased substantially. As a result student-led mass movement of 1969 went, more or less, under the control of RAW influenced student leaders. It has now been confirmed by researchers, writers and journalists at home and abroad, including Indians that RAW had played pioneer role in creation of 'Joy BangIa Bahini'in 1970 and 'Mujib Bahini' in 1971.During the Pakistan days Indian secret agencies had kept their activities limited to influencing only the top student leaders. But after creation of Bangladesh RAW extended its canvas and now even middle and lower ranking student leaders are directly controlled and handled by RAW.Initially RAW spread its tentacles among the students and teachers of Dhaka University.. However, gradually they spread their operations to other universities and colleges including medical, engineering and other professional colleges all over the country.

RAW has three designs to achieve by paralyzing our educational institutions :

a: No resistance should develop against India and her cultural aggression, economic exploitation and political subjugation of Bangladesh. RAW has attained almost full success in this regard. During the last 24 years our educational institutions have played almost no role in protests against the aggressive designs of India. RAW's propaganda has made them a desperate, confused and misled force. Instead of resisting evil designs of India, they are engaged in negative politics, anti-social and even anti-national activities. Many students have started practicing Hindu culture in the name of Bengali culture.

b: India, through her agents, has constantly been creating clashes and conflicts in the campuses which have destroyed academic environments in Bangladesh. Due to ever increasing violence many students have started preferring to go to India for higher education. India thus not only earns a lot of foreign exchange but also is in a position to brainwash these students. When these students will return to Bangladesh after finishing their studies to take up responsible positions in Bangladesh, they will be more likely to have soft corner for India and thus will directly or indirectly serve her cause.

c: RAW has cultivated a strong pro-India pressure group among the students. Due to fear of pro-India students lobby the government can neither take any action against India's hegemonies designs nor even adopt an independent foreign policy. RAW has used a portion of our student community to put pressure on all governments from Mujib to Khaleda Zia by inciting the students to create disturbances and law and order problems. Commenting about the state of affairs of Dhaka University, The Daily Meillat wrote, "The Dhaka University, once known as Oxford of the East, had given birth to all the movements in this region since the British period. Many national movements were born in Dhaka University. RAW knows well that the anti-India movement, if any, would one day start from Dhaka University.

This is why a large section of the teachers and student leaders of the University have been engaged by RAW to keep 'development of any anti-India movement' under check. Many of them do not feel ashamed of openly acting against national interest. The University has become. a safe sanctuary for the terrorists and the murderers. Some RAW activists among the students and the teachers have become so bold that they have virtually made the whole University a hostage to their evil deeds. The University seems to have retreated from the main stream of our national hopes and aspirations. The terrorism which started from the Dhaka University campus has now spread over to other campuses as well.

The atmosphere for learning and teaching has withered away. That is why the college and university campuses are full of clashes, infighting, chasing, counter-chasing, demonstrations, gherao., gun-fights, arrests, injuries, killing, strikes, deferment of examination and even beating of teachers by students"(Daily Mellat : August, 25, 1995).There is not a single college or university in the country form Tetulia to Teknaf where clashes among the students do not occur. Many of these clashes are. not even reported in the media, thus the true statistics in this regard are difficult to compile.

However, following statistics published in The Daily Sangram detailing an account of clashes of four years (from January 1, 1991 to Febuary 15, 1995) provide some insight about state of affairs :

Year Number of Clashes Iniured Killed

1991 200 2000 15

1992 250 2000 25

1993 35Q 2500 40

1994 200 2200 30

1995 (upto February 15)

35 1000 6

Clashes have occurred not only in the major universities of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Jahangirnager and Islamic University but also at far flung college of the island of Hatiya and at the mountainous region of Khagrachari. During this period due to Occurrence of clashes, the~nstitutions were closed down unscheduled for 250 times"(Daily Sangram : February 18, 1995).The Daily Ittefaq reported, "Including the death of Students League activist Joydip Dutta Chowdhury on January 21, 1995, 54 persons have been killed in Dhaka University premises since the inception of Bangladesh in 1971. Among them 20 were outsiders. Among them only two persons were killed in police firing, the rest were killed in clashes between rival students"(Ittefaq : February 28, 1995)."The students are killed in campuses due to internal feuds, power rivalry or personal quaI1rels. Enquiry committees are formed to investigate into these killiIgs.But none of the reports are ever made public for reasons unknown. Nobody has heard about any formal trial of the killers(Daily AI Mujadded : March 7, 1995).

According to Daily Janakantha,"In the Rajshahi University campus 23 perosons were killed in the last 23 years. Five of them were outsiders. The figure of injured is 1000. Nearly one thousand rooms were burnt down. The estimated value of loss on account of these clashes was Taka ten cr.ores. The University remained closed for thousands of days during the last 23 years"(Daily Janakantha : February? 14, 1995)."Some institutions were closed down again and again. The Agriculture University Mymensingh was closed down unscheduled for ten times. In many cases when an institution opened after a long closure, it had to be closed again following bloody clashes"(Daily Meillat : August 25, 1995).

The RAW controlled terrorists continue their evil acts unabated in educational institutions due to patronage and support provided to them by influential RAW henchmen form within administration, businessmen, politicians etc. Some of our educational institutions have turned into mini cantonments through illegal import of arms form across the border. Commenting on the situation, The Daily Inqilab reported, "At present over 200 armd men are staying in the Dhaka University residential halls. Half of them are not students. These armed outsiders also reside in the halls. The statistics of the armed cadres staying in different halls are: Zahurul Haq Hall-30, Jagan Nath Hall-35, Zia Hall-20, Mujib Hall-35, Surja Sen Hall-30, Shahidullah Hall-25 and Fazlul Haq Hall-25. Among the arms held by these terrorists are cut-rifles, revolvers, sten guns, S.M.Gs, pistols etc. These terrorists are connected with influential persons who readily supply them with more sophisticated arms like sub machine guns, sten guns, mortars, SLRs, British carbines etc. whenever required".

The Daily Meillat published following report based on information obtained from intelligence and police sources, "The Dhaka University has become a hostage in the hands of 2000 armed cadres. Many of them permanently reside in different halls of the University. Most of them are outsiders. Among them there are 200 professional killers"(Daily Meillat : August 25, 1995).

RAW constantly remains on the look out to exploit issues for creating disturbances. When there is no issue, RAW uses its stooges to make a non-issue into an issue. RAW even creates dissentions in the same party,organisation. or institution. A big student organisation has been kept divided into Faridpur and Barisal groups. In the Jahangirnagar University campus, the students have been kept divided over locals and non-locals rivalry. At the Agriculture University campus, occurrence of fights between two groups--Dhaka and Mymensingh is common phenomenon. Besides, there are also occurrences of cutting tendon, veins, cutting off or breaking hands and feet, pulling out eyes, disabling or killing of rival students in various educational institutions.

"According to statistics available from Manabadhikar Samannaya Parishad, a Human Rights Organisation, some 30 educational institutions were closed amidst frequent clashes between activists of student organisations from January 1 to July 31 this year (1995). At least 16 persons were killed and about 8 hundred others injured in clashes. During this period 150 incidents of violence took place across the country"(Daily Morning Sun: August 15, 1995).

RAW engineered lawlessness in campuses has ruined educational environment. The situation has been further worsened due to dubious role-played 'by RAW influenced teachers. The institutions remain closed due to teachers' involvement in politically motivated agitation as well. During such closure, these teachers work with some NGOs for extra earning. Consequently the standard of education has fallen. As a result certificates awarded by Bangladeshi institutions have lost their value abroad. Commenting on the situation The Daily Janakantha wrote, "the guardians and parents being afraid of the falling standards of education and the session jams, prefer to send their wards to India for higer education(Daily Janakantha : February 20, 1995).

Over one hundred organisations have come up during the last few years that arrange admission of Bangladeshi students in Indian educational institutions. Advertisements are published in Bangladeshi dailies inviting students to seek admission in India. II Of late it has become fashionable for sons and daughters of bureaucrats, businessmen and politicians to study abroad particularly in India. They are going to India not only for higher technical education but also for subjects like fine arts, dance, music, ,fashion, hair cutting, hair styling etc. It seems that the firms engaged as consultants for arranging admission of Bangladeshi students in Indian institutions have waged a crusade to attract as many students as possible. Incredibly even children of class I to V are also being sent to India for education.

According to conservative estimates nearly 100,000 students from Bangladesh are studying in Indian institutions. If we assume that average expenses per student per month are Taka 5000/-, the total expenditure comes to Taka 50 crore monthly and Taka 600 crore annually. These students are likely to be influenced by Indian culture, system and traditions. Their love for Bangladeshi literature, culture, history and tradition is likely to wane. Thus even ~f RAW does not directly recruit them, the Indian curricula would shape them as Indians at least in out 100k..It is also likely that a section of them would develop indifferent attitude towards our religious and cultural distinctiveness. These people are likely to be RAW's future lobby to demolish our independent identity and to work for merger with India.

It may be recalled that for Sikkim's merger with India the politicians and bureaucrats educated in India had played a vital role. Similarly some top leaders of Nepali a political party who had studied in India acted to make Nepal subservient to India even at the cost of national interests. Soon after the party rose to power, it rescinded arms purchase from China, adopted Indian diotated foreign policy and even abandoned King Birendra's initiatives for making Nepal a zone of peace (which was supported by 116 of the 159 members of the United Nations). the party also accepted unequal terms in case of the hydroelectric projects. All these things happened because minds of its leaders had been influenced by Indians while studying in India. Their education in Indian institutions had made them pro-India in their outlook and they became tools to serve for Indian interests.

RAW has also been using our student-folk for working against Islamic traditions and identity. They have also recruited some teachers for the purpose. These teachers give statements in newspapers and make speeches in seminars etc. in favour of secularism. They criticize Muslim traditions and identity. Due to lobbying by such secular minded teachers, the educational curricula of our universities have been based on secularism. Thus nobody was surprised when a teacher of History Department of Dhaka University recently demanded. for rem~Yal of Islamic history and culture from the syllabus.

After independence of Bangladesh Quranic verse 'Iqra Bisme nabbikallazi Khalaq' was dropped from the emblem of the Dhaka university. Similarly the word' Muslim' was dropped from. Salimullah Muslim Hall and Fazlul Haq Muslim Hall. Although Islam has now been recognised as state religion in the constitution but no step' has been taken by University authorities to re-introduce Quranic verse in the University emblem and the word' Muslim' in the name of the said two halls. When on June 8, 1994, in the annual sen,ate meeting of Dhaka university, Dr. Quamrul Ahsan Chowdury, the provost of Salimullah Hall proposed to reintroduce the word 'Muslim' alongwith the names of those two residential halls and the Quranic verse in the University emblem, the RAW influenced teachers and students rejected the proposal. Dt;. Qamarul Ahsan was labelled as communal. His office was attacked twice in succession by RAW terrorists-cum-students. They also threatened him for life. The University authorities took no steps to punish those terrorists.

RAW thus succeeded in its design to stop reintroduction of word Muslim and Quranic verse. Irony is bat it was accomplished through so called Muslim students.'The Bangladesh Times' reported that Hindu-Christian -Budha Oikya Parished had subinitted a memorandum to the VC Dhaka university stating that recitation of Bismillah and Quranic verses was contrary to the spirit of Liberation War. The news item says. 'The use of Bismillah in the programme of Dhaka University Platinum Jubilee celebration and DUCSU reunion has created resentment in a sedion of students of the University. It was revealed in a memorandum of DU unit of Bangladesh Chhatra Juba OikyaPrishad. (BCJOP), a sister organisaiton of Hindu- Budha-Ghristian Oikya Parishad, which was submitted to the VC. It was claimed in the memorandum that 'Bismillah' is contrary to the spirit of the Liberation War.

The memorandum was signed by more than 70 students (all belonged to Jagannath Hall). It was stated in their memorandum that in the original constitution of 1972 the pledges of the martyrs had been reflected, although these pledges have been stamped out through the cruel dissection of the constitution. The inclusion of Bismipah and reading of Qui-an fn the reunion programme of DU Platinum Jubilee celebration has struck a blow to the non-communal spirit of the University which will encourage to destroy the values of the Liberation War"(Bangladesh Times. September 24,. 1995).RAW is now pursuing an agenda to convert Dhaka University campus into a museum of statues. The aim is to gradually spread the statue culture all over the country.

New statues are constantly being erected on flimsy pretexts and baseless grounds. Many statues have already been erected in the campus. The plans are to erect many more statues of Hindu personalities by falsely associating them with the University It is well known that Hindus including Rabindra Nath Tagore had opposed the establishment of Dhaka University. When the University was finally established despite their opposition, Hindus sarcastically called it as Makkah University: The tragedy is that Dhaka University has now become main centre for spreading Hindu culture proposed by Rabindra Nath Tagore. If the process of erecting statues is continued, a day will come when visitors will find it difficult to believe that Dhaka University belongs to a Muslim country. It is to be remembered that Islam prohibits erection of statues.The Daily Meillat reported in this regard. "Keeping in view a particular objective, a neighoburing country has been pursuing the process of erection of statues in the campus of Dhaka University. In the span of ten years from now RAW plans to erect 200 statues in the campus alone"(Daily Meillat : May 27, 1995).

The Dhaka University which was established for the uplift of the down-trodden Muslims of this region preservation of their rights and identity, has now become' a tool in the hands of enemies of Muslim history and traditions. No one knows when Dhaka University will be free from the RAW's influence. The plight of other educational institution is not any better either. One can only pray to Almighty Allah to save our students from the clutches of RAW.

CHAPTER-29

RAW AND OUR RULERS

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh and its first Prime Minister is regarded as a RAW agent by many analysts. However, the contention is not supported by many others. They argue that Mujib had elicited Indian nelp to liberate Bangladesh. India, on the other hand, used him to disintegrate its perpetual enemyPakistan. Their support was not due to any love for Muslim Bengalees. However; Sheikh Mujib utterly failed to foresee Indian game. It was only after creation of Bangladesh that Sheikh Mujip realized true Indian designs. Indians expected that due to their help during liberation war Bangladesh will ever remain grateful and indebted. Particularly after signing of Friendship Treaty in 1972, Indians thought that Bangladesh will remain subservient and dependent on her. However, when the new country occasionally started conducting as a sovereign state, it was not liked by Indians.

RAW's apprehensions about Mujib grew due to the following reasons:

a. RAW feared that Mujib's popularity, towering personality and his ability to mobilize masses could pose a threat to India's overall objectives in Bangladesh.

b. Indians were annoyed when Mujib asked Indian Army to leave Bangladesh.

c. Indians were further irritated when Mujib ordered for return of Indian civil administrators who were sent to Bangladesh to take over the key positions after the fall of Dhaka on December 16, 1971.

d. Mujib's decision to attend summit at Lahore was not liked by Indians. India wanted that Bangladesh should remain a secular and a client state. They did not want it to develop relations with other states, especially with the Muslim countries.

In order to ensure that Indian interests are fully looked after, RAW arranged inclusion of its hard core agents in Mujib's cabinet as well as on higher positions in Awami League. These agents made all efforts to make Bangladesh a subservient state of India. This alienated the people from the Government. Yet RAW was not contented. Following 'divide and rule' policy, RAW managed divisions in Mujib's political followers soon after emergence of Bangladesh. Such is the ruthlessness of RAW that it did not hesitate from plotting against its friend and ally to further their own interests. Mujib's opponents later floated a political party which openly. preached and propagated severe bitterness and discontent against Mujib and his Government. Using it-RAW introduced in the country, a neW trend of political violence through hartals (general strike), blockades, sit-ins, bombings, arson and secret killing to halt the process of rebuilding the war devastated country. In the name of Gano Bahini (People's Army) an armed terrorist group was also formed by Mujib's opponents. In ensuing fights more than 10 thousand Gono Bahini cadres were killed (openly and secretly) by the then Mujib Government. Many of them included real patriots who had joined Gano Bahini with good intention of saving Bangladesh from Indian influence.

RAW used its stooges to forge Bangladeshi currency notes, arson jute godowns, created panic here and there by bombings, smuggled Bangladeshi goods and assets to India, organised insurgent groups like Shanti Bahini to disintegrate Bangladesh. Above all, RAW indirectly instigated Sheikh Mujib to form BAKSAL and one party rule which defamed him in home and abroad as a dictator and killer of democracy. RAW used Rakhi Bahini (a para military force created under Indian pressure which was virtually controlled by RAW) to eliminate nationalist forces.

Mujib did try to restrict RAW's influence but RAW's agents had infested his Government and party to such an extent that he virtually became helpless accomplice in RAW's game. Moreover his gratitude to Indians curtailed his will and ability to check RAW's activities. This led to sharp erosion of his popularity and mass support. Mujib alongwith his family members was assassinated on 15 August, 1975 in a military coup. After Mujib's assassination, Khondakar Moshtaq Ahmed took over the power. He announced to follow nationalist and Pro-Islamic policies. However, he was soon ousted in a counter coup master minded by RAW through Khaled Mosharraf.

Later Ziaur Rahman became the President of Bangladesh. He followed pro-nationalist policies and resisted Indian hegemonism. Zia's independent and Pro-Muslim foreign policy and above all, his obstinate stand on Talpatti Island made him the eye sore of India. Therefore, RAW turned against him. They instigated series of military coups to oust him. Ultimately RAW succeeded in killing him during 1981 after 18 aborted coups. The role of RAW in assassination of Zia is well documented in author's booklet titled, 'The Secrets Behind the killing of Zia'.

A noted Indian parliamentarian Mr. Subramaniam. Swamy,provided important insight about RAW's plan to assassinate Ziaur Rahman. He stated in an interview given to the weekly magazine 'Sunday', 'RAW had plotted the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman with approval from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Mr. R. N Kao, the RAW Chief and Shankaran Nair, a senior official of RAW had plotted to kill General Ziaur Rahman. The scheme was already at an advanced stage with Ganghi's approval. But the Congress Government fell and Mr. Morarji Desai became Prime Minister. Mr. Desai was appalled to learn about assassination plan. He called halt to the murder plot. The RAW warned the Prime Minister that it was too late to back out now and that many RAW assets would be endangered if the plan was aborted at this stage. However, Desai remained adamant and finally RAW abandoned the assassination'. Mr. Subramaniam Swamy commented, 'Zia continued to rule Bangladesh for many more years. He was assassinated after Indira Gandhi returned to power but India said that she was not involved'.

After Zia, Justice Abdul Sattar became the President of the country. He vowed to continue Zia's policies. However, soon his Government was overthrown and the then COAS Lieutenant General Hussain Mohammad Ershad assumed power on March 24, 1982 in a bloodless military coup. Ershad had attended an army course in India during 1974.There are stories that he was picked up and cultivated by RAW during the said course. He was gradually nursed and supported to rise to the rank of COAS. It is widely believed that General Ershad captured power with the support of RAW. Reportedly Ershad had sent a special envoy to inform Mrs. Indira Gandhi about the planned military coupe to seek her blessings. Mrs. Gandhi gave her blessings on the assurance that Ershad would hold elections at the earliest and help in bringing into power a 'particular' political party.

However, later Ershad ,developed his own ambitions. He started following independent foreign policy. He declared Islam as state religion. These moves annoyed RAW, who unleashed series of movements to topple him. Hartals, bandhs, blockades etc. which outwardly meant to fall his Government, also weakened the economy of Bangladesh and discouraged foreign investment. These factors impeded country's progress and development. During Ershad regime RAW regained ground lost during Zia era. He patronized Indian lobby and allowed RAW to conduct its activities virtually at will. The appeasement policy followed by Ershad enabled RAW to dig its roots deep in administrative, cultural and political echelons of Bangladesh.

Ershad's belief was that by giving maximum concessions to the Indians, he could win their support, however, proved misplaced. He failed to understand that Indians did not want merely concessions, but total subservience, which perhaps was a little. too much for him. Ershad was forced to resign on December 6, 1990 in the wake of popular uprising and wide spread public agitation.After Ershad, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Begum Khaleda Zia came to power by winning elections on anti India and pro-nationalist stance. People hoped that BNP would follow bold and courageous policies. However, the performance of BNP Government so far (1991-95) is indicative of the following :

a. BNP has been trying to outdo Awami League in the ideological and other fields which were once considered the latter's domain.

b. The basis of foreign policy of BNP Government has been appeasement of India.

c. RAw's activities and operations in Bangladesh have continued unabated. The RAW agents and stooges in higher bureaucracy and the Government continue to thrive. On the other hand, the nationalist and anti- Indian officials have been targeted and side lined. A glaring example of the same is tpe transfer of Mr. Assafudollah, the then Secretary of Agriculture and Water Resources Ministry. He was sent out of the Ministry due to his uncompromising and obstinate stand on Farrakka issue. On the contrary, Mr. Farooq Sobhan the Foreign Secretary, who reportedly has been advocating for grant of transit rights to the Indians still continues to occupy the coveted appointment, despite serious allegations leveled against him by the nationalist press.

d. Under the cover of free market economy Bangladesh has been over-flooded with Indian goods,which has caused grave harm to country's industrial development. Many of the existing Bangladeshi mills and factories are on the verge of closure due to unplanned in-flow of Indian goods. The New Nation, an English daily wrote on 29 August 1995, under caption 'India seek cooperation from Bangladesh'. 'Trade between the two countries now stands at 60 crore dollars compared to that of seven crore dollars five years ago'. It may be mentioned that balance of trade is favourable to India by 97% to 3%.

e. A large number of newspapers', magazines, publishing houses, business firms etc. have been floated by RAW under dummy ownership. These are relentlessly engaged in sabotaging the country's ideology, independence and sovereignty.

f. Polarization on account of Freedom Fighters versus Non Freedom Fighters received a new surge.

g. Educational institutions experienced highest frequency of violence and terrorist activities. This situation actually was arranged by RAW hirelings and the process spread throughout the country like contagious disease. Because of violence, murders and session congestion in the educational institutions, large number of students went to India to study in Indian universities and colleges. As a result a huge amount of foreign exchange is draining down to India. Moreover, it has provided good opportunity to RAW to brain wash our younger generation during their stay in India.

h. No action has been taken against RAW stooges who work or speak openly against our independence and sovereignty. Our Government failed to take appropriate legal action against Taslima Nasreen, Ahmed Sharif, Hassan Imam and leaders of the Hindu-Bhudha-Christian Okkayea Parishad for speaking and writing against our country and religion. On February 28, 1992, an Indian journalist and Editor of Dainik Ajkal, Mr. Myaram Surgeon in a seminar held in the National Museum Auditorium Dhaka, urged Bangladesh to merge with India. But no protest was made instantly or later, though the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina and other top-level leaders were also present there.

It is apparent that most of our rulers have been following the course of least resistance against RAW's onslaught. Some even resorted to appeasement to get RAW's blessings. There is a fallacious dictum in Bangladesh: 'To rise to power you need to be anti-India but to survive in power you need to appease India'. Perhaps due to belief that no Government in Bangladesh can survive if it invites wrath of RAW, our rulers do not dare to challenge and bridle RAW. However, I vehemently oppose this supposition. A Government which boldly, courageously and righteously pursues national interests will become so popular that no body will be able to shake its foundation.

Here I also want to dispel fears propounded by some cowards and pessimists that since Bangladesh is surrounded by India on all sides, therefore, it is defenseless. They argue that due to its size and power, India is in a position to destabilize Bangladesh at will. I want to draw their attention towards history which proves that it. is not the size alone which determines a country's defensibility. After all, small countries like Cuba and Taiwan have existed despite presence of mighty hostile countries around them. Similarly examples of Afghanistan and Vietnam can be given who being much smaller and poorer, still defeated super powers like Soviet Union and the United States respectively. Thus the true guarantee of a country's independence and sovereignty. are will and determination of its people. The size, affluence and resources come later. The Bangladeshi people are indeed very patriotic and motivated. History has proved that they are willing to Fender any sacrifice for their motherland. Hence our rulers should rely on our nation's spirit and motivation for upholding and safeguarding country's integrity and independence. They should understand that unnecessary appeasement of foreign powers will not earn them any good. Our adversary is too wicked and has too ambitious an agenda. Mere appeasement does not satisfy his greed and hunger, hence it will prove futile. Those who propound the 'appeasement theory' are either myopic or
fifth columnists.

Let it also not be misunderstood that I am advocating anti-India hysteria. Certainly that" is not my aim or objective. What I am trying to put across is' that we must develop the will and conviction to preserve our independence and sovereignty. We must not allow anyone a free hand to subvert our ideology, independence and national interests. We should assert ourselves whenever required for claiming our just rights. That is the only course for an honourable existence. Let us hope that our rulers and leaders will realize this' simple fact in their own as well as in country's interest.

CHAPTER-30

RAW'S INFLUENCE IN HIGHER ECHELONS

RAW has carefully nurtured a strong pro-Indian lobby amongst top political leaders and highly placed Government officials for promoting Indian interests in Bangladesh. Many of them are wooed through financial rewards in cash or kind. The others tow Indian line due to their ideological leanings. RAW's amazing success in penetrating in our top echelons is a cause of grave concern. Indeed vital national interests will continue to be jeopardized if the situation is not remedied. Here are some. examples of top level betrayals.The Weekly Bikram of Dhaka, in its issue of 29th November, 1993, published an interview of the then Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping and Water Transport. A relevant part of the same is reproduced below:

'In 1972 the Ministry of Shipping had no sea-going vessel. The Prime MinIster's Secretariat directed this Ministry to procure a ship of its own. Soon we processed the file and sent that to the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry in their note told us to look into the matter whether India could supply us such a ship, otherwise India's approval would be required if we wanted to procure it from some other country. General Osmani was in charge of Shipping Ministry while Mr. Tajuddin was Finance Minister. After receiving the note of/the Finance Ministry(Daily lnqilab : December 16, 1994)took the file to the Prime Minister's office. Sheikh Mujib, the then Prime Minister got furious after seeing. the note. He summoned Mr. Tajuddin to his office. No sooner had Mr. Tajuddin entered the Prime Minister's office, then he burst at top of his voice and said, 'What else have you, Tajuddin conceded to India?'

The Daily Meillat in its editorial titled 'Allocation of money for the Ganges Barrage' exposed the extent of RAW's influence on our highly placed persons. It wrote :

"The Agriculture Ministry has stated that the Government does not consider the Ganges Barrage project as an alternative to the Farakka Barrage. This amounts to denying the utility of the Ganges Barrage. It is not known whether the comment was based upon facts and findings by the water experts or it was yet another attempt to please the Indians. The feasibility of Ganges Barrage has been well assessed by many experts who had recommended implementation of the project. Based upon the evaluation of experts, late President Ziaur Rahman had started the project and he himself laid the foundation stone of the Barrage.

India and her local agents have been opposing the project for ulterior reasons. Indian agents in Bangladesh's higher echelons have been delaying the implementation of the project on one pretext or the other(Daily Meillat : May 24, 1995).The Daily Janakanta reported how some of our senior administrators and bureaucrats work for India, relinquishing country's interest. The report alleged that although the Government had prohibited import of granulated SSP fertilizer from India, yet the Ministry of Agriculture issued a circular on April 17, 1995 to import Indian fertilizer. It is further stated by the newspaper that the Agriculture Ministry in a meeting on October 24, 1994 had decided to stop production of SSP fertilizer in Chittagong TSP Complex and instead decided for production of 100% TSP at the complex.

Bangladesh is self sufficient in TSP production -and can even export some surplus stocks. But production of SSP is lesser than the domestic requirement. SSP and TSP can be produced in the Chittagong factory at the ratio of 60% SSP and 40% TSP. Bangladeshi SSP is considered superior to Indian SSP. The use of SSP can increase agricultural yield by 10%. Even being aware- of all these facts, - the Agriculture Ministry asked the Industries Ministry to stop production of SSP. The newspaper alleged that this was done to import larger quantities from India to make up the shortage at later stage. Indian SSP which looks similar to Bangladeshi TSP, can be sold at higher price (price of TSP is higher than SSP). The Daily comments that the said lobby is working actively to make Bangladesh a market for Indian goods. They do not care if in the process country's economy and industry are totally destroyed(Daily Janakantha : June 20, 1995).

The Daily Inqilab reported about appointment of an Indian in Bangladesh T & T Board. The Daily stated that a Director of the Delhi Communication Centre of India got the appointment at the T&T Board without prior approval of the concerned ministry. The appointment was made disregarding the time frame that was given to the. International Telecom Union for sending their nomination for the post. The Board had not even cared to look for an expert from another country. According to the details T&T Board had approached International Telecom Union to nominate an expert for Data Exchange Centre built by it. The International Telecom Union sent the name of an, Indian expert. The concerned Ministry did not approve the proposal and asked for a panel of three names for final selection. However, disregarding the Ministry's instructions and before getting the desired response from Telecom Union, T&T Board decided to appoint the Indian expert who was previously rejected by the Ministry. The Indian expert reached Dhaka and assumed his new assignment.

When asked, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications expressed its ignorance about the said appointment (Daily Inqilab : December 7, 1994).After publication of above news, the T&T board sent a clarification to the Daily Inqilab justifying their decision. But the reply was unconvincing. They could not give any justification about why an Indian was appointed on such an important and sensitive position.

The transport sector of Bangladesh is dominated by Indian vehicles. The Suzon Tempo of Bangladesh has lost its market due to Indian Bajaj and API auto rickshaws, which have been given excessive concessions. Similarly, Indian locomotives have been preferred over better quality locomotives from Britain, Germany and Canada. This was made possible by winks from right quarters despite the fact that the Railway Tender Committee had rejected the offer of Indian Locomotives Company. The Tender Committee had concluded that maintenance cost of Indian locomotives will be, seven times higher(Daily Inqilab : November 23, 1994).

The main objective of importing Indian locomotive engines is to make Bangladesh Railways dependent upon India and also infiltrate Raw agents in Railways in the guise of experts and engineers who will be coming from India to maintain and repair the locomotives. Let us see what The Daily Inqilab Comments: 'India is going to succeed in grabbing Bangladesh Railways beca1,LS,e of the intrigues of a section of vested interests. India began assembling locomotive very recently and the industry' is still in initial experimental stage. The Railway's Tender Committee had mentioned in its report that Indian locomotive engines are totally unfit and unacceptable for Bangladesh and had recommended that Bangladesh should not purchase these engines under any circumstances. The committee also mentioned that yearly maintenance and' running cost of the current engines with Railways is one tenth of the total cost of the engine, whereas the said cost of the Indian locomotives will be more than seven tenth. Thus Railways will have to incur seven times more expenditure on their maintenance. Besides, the Indian engines are of lower quality and the engineers of Bangladesh are not experienced and habituated in managing and driving them. Hence Indian experts will have to be hired to supervise and maintain these engines. Despite such strong opinion of experts committee, the decision was made to purchase Indian locomotives(Daily inqilab : November 23, 1994).

The above case makes RAW's influence in the Ministry of Roads and Communication amply clear. As a result of the said arrangement Bangladesh Railways will be required to spend extra amount on maintenance. Besides, the Indian engineers will stay in Bangladesh for seven years to maintain and repair these engines costing additional 60 million US dollars. It is apprehended that RAW will be able to place its agents in 'Bangladesh" Railways in the guise of experts and technicians. Bangladesh is self sufficient in salt production.. There are huge stocks of better quality iodine salt in the country. But still some dishonest businessmen have been given permits to import salt from India. They import non iodized cheaper salt which is full of adulteration of sand, stone, glass particles etc. The Indian salt is also inferior in chloride content i. e. 55% as compared to 99% in Bangladeshi variety. Consumption of low quality salt causes various diseases, hence its import should not have been allowed.

On December' 11, 1994, a unit of Bangladesh Navy captured an Indian Trawler alongwith 15 Indian fishermen in Bangladesh waters, They also had Rs. 126853 (Indian currency) in their possession. A case was registered in the Mongla Thana in this connection on December 12, 1994.But for mysterious reason the ministry of Home Affairs issued an order to the Magistrate of Bagherhat. Accordingly, the concerned Magistrate on December 26,1994, withdrew the case and ordered the authorities of the Bagherhat 'prison to release the Indian citizens alongwith their possessions. When contacted, the Home Ministry refused to explain why the case against the illegal infiltrators was withdrawn (Daily Meillat : December 30, 1994).

Bangladesh needs to import sugar from abroad to meet short fall in local sugar production. But the irony is that sugar imports from India far exceeds country's actualrequirements. As a result the Bangladeshi sugar remains unsold due to dumping of cheap Indian sugar.The Daily Al Mujadded reported on June 22, 1995, that 133, 200 tons of Bangladeshi sugar remained stock piled and unsold. The Daily Sangram reported on June 21, 1995 that Bangladeshi sugar worth taka 4000 million remained unsold. The daily .
also reported that although import of more sugar was no more allowed, yet a dealer opened an L. C. account with a bank for import of 200,000 tons of sugar primarily from India. In addition smuggling of sugar from India is a common practice. Low quality cheaper sugar imported from India has adversely affected the domestic sugar need to pay VAT at Taka. 2.42 per Kg,whereas sugar entering Bangladesh market through smuggling need not to pay any tax or tariff.As a result Indian sugar is sold at a cheaper rate. Often it is found that Indian sugar contains adulterated items like urea, sand and even glass particles, but no remedy is available to redress the complaint.

Indian edible oil has also captured Bangladeshi market. Smuggled Indian edible oil is cheaper by Taka 18/- to 20 per Kg as no duty or VAT is levied on said edible oil. Faced with inequitable competition; oil refining mills in Bangladesh are being closed. Out of 60 mills, 40 have been already closed down. Production of oil has fallen from seven lakh tons to only three lakh tons. It is estimated that four takh tons of edible oil is smuggled into Bangladesh from India each year (Daily Sangram : June 21, 1995).

When the Government recently decided to import food grains to make up the shortage, some highly placed RAW agents were able to persuade the Government to import maximum food grains from India on the ground of its proximity. A little quantity of food grains were also imported from other countries including Pakistan, which was merely an eyewash. There are complaints that most of the Indian rice did not meet the conditions of sample of the tender. Indian rice was sub-standard, adulterated (with stone, gravel and grit), rotten and worm-eaten. Numerous reports were published in local newspapers ventilating the sub-standard and inedible position of the Indian rice. However, defying all criticisms the concerned authorities accepted the rice.

The role of the officials of the Ministry of Food in the case of 8 thousand metric ton's of cotton and unfit rice imported through Khalil & Co. is indeed revealing of their subservience to India. The said rice consignment reached Mongla Port on June 11, 1995 by an Iranian flag vessel. The firm appointed to off load the rice refused to do so' as the rice was rotten and worm-eaten. Local food officials inspected the rice and informed the Ministry of Food in Dhaka. To handle the situation the Chief Marketing Manager of the Indian State Trading Corporation, Mr. Tendon rushed to Bangladesh. This reversed the situation completely. The contractor that had refused to unload the rice was fined taka 11 lakhs and black listed on the instruction of concerned authorities in Dhaka. Another firm was assigned the responsibility to unload the rice at higher rates. The firm refilled the rice in new sacks inside the ship, though the rice was really rotten and worm-eaten(Daily Al Mujadded : June 19, and 25, : 1995).

Another step taken by RAW towards crippling the agriculture and economy of Bangladesh is the supply of poisonous pesticides to Bangladesh which are prohibited even in India itself. These include Thiodine, Hilbil, Bittil, Hexactol and Thionyl etc. These pesticides are also prohibited in Bangladesh but their smuggling from India is exceedingly rampant. Informed sources claim that RAW has arranged the production of these illegal and destructive insecticides in India for supplying these to Bangladesh through smugglers, who are i~ fact RAW agents. It is but natural that prohibited items cannot be produced by any private firm without direct instructions and protection of Government authorities in India.

Thus it can be easily inferred that their production and smuggling into Bangladesh is taking place with connivance of RAW. These insecticides are injurious not only for the crops but also for human beings. They are so poisonous that their destructive power cannot be destroyed even at 600 degree centigrade temperature. People who eat the vegetables on which these insecticides were used or applied may suffer from paralysis, dyspepsia, heart and liver problems etc. They also weaken different important internal organs of human body. Thiodine and some other insecticides reduce the fertility of the earth. Besides; those who eat the rice from the field where Thiodine was applied may suffer from dysentery, weakness and dyspepsia. Agricultural experts predict that within next 15 years the fertility of the land of Bangladesh would be reduced to an alarming extent. Observers believe RAW produces and send these insecticides to cripple the economy, ecology and human resources of Bangladesh. Insecticides are available on cheap rates which easily attract the illiterate and poor tillers of Bangladesh. For unknown reasons no firm step has yet been taken to stop the illegal trade of these poisons.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is another hot bed for RAW stooges. It is notorious for its pro-Indian stand on all issues, national as well as international. The influence of RAW on our Foreign Ministry 'was clearly-unveiled when our Foreign Secretary Mr. Farooq Sobhan himself took the initiative to propagate for grant of transit facility to India.The Daily Inqilab informed that Mr. Farooq Subhan had urged some journalists to create favourable public opinion for awarding transit facility to India. It is to be noted here that prior to his current assignment, Mr. Farooq Sobhan was the High Commissioner of Bangladeshi in New Delhi. Daily 'Inqilab further commented, 'It is clear that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has taken the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of India.

The recent statements and propagation of this Ministry to neutralize the displeasure of people against India due to her anti Muslim role, prove its pro-India bias(Daily Inqilab : July 29, 1995).At a premier institution concerned- with national defence, students frequently ask the guest speakers, 'Since Bangladesh does not have viable defence potential, therefore, would it not be feasible to come under security umbrella of India?' Apparently the question denotes mere academic probe, but its ramifications in terms of thinking and belief of those who are supposed to work and plan national defence are indeed much larger. RAW, through its continuing propaganda seems to be affecting even partiotic minds on the plea of inviolability of national defence.

RAW's involvement in internal politics of Bangladesh is deep rooted. Since the days of erstwhile East Pakistan RAW has been patronising and funding a particular group of political parties(The Gentleman, Bombay,November, 1985).RAW's interest in political activities remained alive even after establishment of Bangladesh. The RAW operatives based in Indian High Commission Dhaka, maintain regular contacts with Bangladeshi political leaders and uses them for furthering Indian interests.

A report about involvement of RAW with certain political party in Bangladesh, compiled by Mr Rajesh Joshi was published in Daily Indian Express. It was later re-produced in Dainik Bangla on 3 April 1992 and Daily Meillat on May 7, 1992. The report says, 'RAW had given 4.50 crore rupees to a political party of a neighbouring country (Bangladesh) for elections held on 27 February 1991. Mr B B Nandi (a high official of RAW) had given the money at Calcutta. But ultimately that political party failed to win the elections'.

There are reports that money was paid to some other smaller parties and individuals as well. There are also reports that RAW had offered to pay money to some other parties including pro Islamic and pro-nationalist parties. But they declined to accept the money. The point to be noted is that RAW tried to enlist support of diverse political groups who are ideologically opposed to each' other. It proves that RAW is working on the policy of having two types of clients in Bangladesh i.e. A team and B team. This is to ensure that irrespective of which political party is in power, their purposes should be properly served.

In pursuance of above policy, RAW has cultivated agents and supporters in almost all major political parties. These highly placed persons are provided material incentives in cash as well as in kind. Grant of agencies of Indian companies, promoting business, helping in securing loans, arranging medical treatment in India for them and their families, granting scholarships to The children of favoured politicians are only some ways to dole out incentives to their agents and supporters.

A recent example of RAWs influence over the Government circles of Bangladesh was th~ proposal of giving the responsibility of preparing the voters lists and laminated identity cards to Indian companies. Sixty companies, both local as well as foreign, had submitted tenders for this work. But the concerned quarters selected only Indian companies to undertake this work of national importance. It may be' pointed out that necessary material, technology, organization and expert manpower were available in Bangladesh for doing the said work. A Bangladeshi firm, Swapta Sindhu Limited had offered to do the job using local technology and manpower within 100 days at a cost of 150 crore taka. But despite their competitive offer the work was assigned to Indian companies.

Had not the patriotic people of Bangladesh protested against this grave security lapse, RAW would have succeeded in its nefarious designs. Taking advantage of this opportunity RAW would have been able to enlist many Indian Hindus as voters in Bangladesh to achieve favourable election results. By such manipulation RAW may have succeeded in bringing to power a puppet Government in Bangladesh to serve their purpose. Such a Government could even be expected to go to the extent of proposing in the parliament to incorporate Bangladesh into the Indian Union. Another important benefit for the Indians would have been that once credentials of these Hindu Indians were established as citizens of Bangladesh, it would have been easier to push them back for permanent settlement in Bangladesh.

Even the Hindus who had left Bangladesh during 1947, after disposing off their movable and immovable properties and had been settled in India as permanent citizens, might be brought back to work as agents of RAW. A campaign had already started propagating that nearly one crore Hindus were forcibly compelled in the past to leave Bangladesh. An organization called Hindu-Buddha-Christian . Oikya Parishad, which works as an offshoot of Indian BJP in Bangladesh, in their national conference held on May 4, 1995 demanded to bring back these one crore Hindus from India. Although after storm of protests from all over Bangladesh the award of said work to Indian companies' was cancelled, but an important point to be noted is that some of the opposition parties who otherwise routinely criticize every Government action did not utter a single word against this decision.

Is it not proof enough of RAW's influence on Government as well as on many political parties in the country? However., the redeeming feature is that people of Bangladesh stand solidly together to thwart Indian designs. Indeed that is the real guarantee for country's independence and sovereignty. The above are only some of the examples of RAW's influence in higher echelons of Bangladesh. I could go on narrating endless details of the same but the paucity of space restricts further narration. However, I hope that the readers would have grasped the magnitude of RAW's penetration.

CHAPTER-31

THE TRANSIT ROUTEA

India has been demanding grant of transit route through Bangladesh for providing supplies to its seven north-eastern states. The proposal is that Bangladesh should provide road and rail transit between Calcutta, Agartala, Shillong and Gauhati via Dhaka. Besides, use of Bangladesh's inland water-ways for Indian steamers is also t )ing demanded. India also wants to use Chittagong Port for transportation of goods to Tripura and Mizoram states. To make these proposals profitable a toll payment is being promised. Such transit facility arrangements do exist in several parts of the world, therefore Indian proposal at the out set may appear innocent and innocuous. But the problem arises due to India's expansionist and evil designs against her smaller neighbour. The fear is that the use of-transit facility will not remain restricted for commercial purposes. Rather it will be used for subverting Bangladesh's sovereignty and economic well being.

It may be pointed out that the north-eastern Indian region is not isolated or cut off from mainland. Already good communication links exist between India's mainland and the seven northeastern states. These channels are already being used not only for supplying consumer goods but also for movement of troops. Thus there is no dire necessity for a transit facility through Bangladesh. A dispassionate analysis suggests that these proposals should not be accepted by Bangladesh for the following reasons:

a. A wide trade gap in favour of India already exists due to Bangladesh's weaker economy, Indian machinations, unbridled smuggling and dubious economic policies by our Government. The grant of transit facility to India will facilitate smuggling, thus increasing the trade gap even further.
. .
b. It will not be possible for our police and security forces to supervise Indian vehicles and commodities throughout the proposed transit routes. At best the checking may be possible at entry and exit points though even that will depend upon cooperation of the Indians. India may cooperate during checking of vehicles and commodities in the initial days, gradually she would backout. It should not be forgotten that India has already earned a name for breach of promises and wriggling out of her international commitments.

c. India may initially sign an apparently amicable transit agreement to make a beginning. But at a certain stage she may start demanding amendments in the terms and conditions of the original agreement.It will then be difficult for Bangladesh to get out of the net.

d. RAW will certainly use this facility for furthering, and pursuing its own agenda of subversion. It will become easier to smuggle arms and explosives throughout Bangladesh. Besides, it will facilitate movement of RAW's agents, terrorists and stooges to and from Bangladesh.

e. Owners of Indian buses and trucks will be greatly benefited by transit facility. On the contrary, Bangladeshi transport sector will suffer due to adverse competition.

f. Another fear is that the said transit facility will not remain restricted to commercial use only. It is almost certain that the Indians will use it for military purposes on the pretext of utmost necessity. The movement of troops and supplies of arms to the northeastern states will gradually become routine. This can be used by India for massing troops even inside Bangladesh.

g. The said facility will also be used by India for troop. movements against China. This will hamper. Bangladesh's relationship with a friendly country. "

h. In the name of ensuring security of indian property and personnel, India may demand from Bangladesh for allowing her to station her troops inside Bangladesh. RAW may arrange feint attacks on Indian vehicles through its agents and thus create enough justification for India's demand to station her troops to protect her persons and property. In this garb RAW may get free hand to physically annihilate patriotic forces opposed to Indian expansionist design. Another danger is that RAW may even arrange mock attacks on Indian troops to 'prepare grounds for India to undertake offensive action against Bangladesh. '

j. Eventually it will become impossible for Bangladesh to exercise her sovereign authority on the transit route. But once allowed it will be very difficult to close the same. India may argue that the transit route is vital for her economy and security and its closure will amount to hostile action. In such a situation India may even force war on Bangladesh and capture her, to protect her vital interests.

RAW has recently stepped up campaign to press for 'transit facility'. Its stooges are engaged in propagating the advantages Bangladesh would have if she accepts India's proposal for transit facility. Beside India is exerting relentless pressure on Bangladesh for grant of transit facility at least on experimental basis. Of late efforts are being made to' link the issue with Farakka Barrage and proposals far joint resolution of the two' issues are being put across. It has also been offered that as a reciprocal measure Bangladesh may be granted transit route to' Bhutan and Nepal. However, we must not fall prey to' any such tactics. We must not forget the character of Indian leaders. If Indian bus and truck services once start plying through Bangladesh, it will never be possible to' stop them under any circumstances. We remember how India withdrew water of the Ganges at Farakka on an experimental and temporary basis. Sheikh Mujib trusted the sweet promise of Indian leaders, in good faith. But that trial operation of Farakka still continues and perhaps it will never came to' an end.

It is obviously difficult to' stop anything if it once starts. Sa if Bangladesh once grants transit facility an experimental basis, it will be next to impassible to stop it given India's track record. It should be remembered that India may even apt far open hostility including declaring war against Bangladesh, if she considers that her vital interests are being endangered by our actions at same stage. On the other hand India can withdraw the reciprocal concessions given to us in exchange of transit facility on any flimsy ground and we would not be able to do anything about it. In the face of such possibilities we have no reason to be attracted to the sweet bait of Indian leadership. It will never be beneficial far Bangladesh to grant transit facility to India in return far same monetary benefits no matter what it amounts to. Why should we allow India to use our land in the name of transit facility when we are certain that it will impinge an our sovereignty and national interests?

CHAPTER-32

ANTI-BANGLADESH PROPAGANDA ABROAD

RAW is continuously spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh specially, in Europe and United States of America. RAW's objectives in this regard are:

(1) TO defame Bangladesh.

(2) TO isolate Bangladesh from the community of nations.

(3) TO project Bangladesh as a fundamentalist country where religious minorities do not enjoy basic human rights.

(4) TO influence policies of Western World through misinformation as that their economic and political support to' Bangladesh decreases.

With a view to achieving above objectives RAW is pursuing vigorous anti-Bangladesh campaign in Europe and USA particularly far the last few years. In 1992 RAW engineered the setting up of Bangladesh-USA Human Rights Group based in the United States. The stated aim of the organization is to maintain human rights situation in Bangladesh. However, it has become a forum far spreading anti-Bangladesh propaganda. Its reports to the contrary tend to serve Indian interests.

Commenting about the said organization Weekly Dhaka Courier wrate, "Initially people welcomed its inception but it failed to conceal its ugly face and started doing what served India's interest better. Just after its inception it wrote a letter to the US Congressman Tom Lantos, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Human Rights committee bringing multiple charges of human rights violations on minorities in Bangladesh. This group appealed to the US Congress to stop American financial assistance to Bangladesh unless the religious minorities are properly treated.

The letter alleged that Bangladesh Government had reaffirmed Islamisation in Bangladesh and ignored the rights of minority communities. It alleged that Bangladesh violated UN Human Rights charter by infringing upon religious rights of Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. Copies of this letter were circulated among the high ranking members of the Congress and' the Senate (Dhaka Courier: February 5, 1993).

A 3-day international conference was held in London from October 18 to 20., 1991 on the status of minorities in Bangladesh. A number of so-called delegates were invited from different parts of Europe and The United States to represent Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities of Bangladesh. However, in actual fact, most of the so-called delegates were either Indian citizens or Americans or Europeans of Indian origin. Only a few delegates belonged to Bangladesh. The speakers at the conference spoke about grossly exaggerated accounts of maltreatment, discrimination, atrocities and forceful exodus of the minorities in Bangladesh.

Dr. Sabyasachi Dastidar, a Professor of New York University who had migrated to India in the late 40.s from Barisal District of Bangladesh presented a paper at the conference on behalf of the US branch of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Council. The paper was later published in South Asia Forum, a quarterly brought out from New York to draw the attention of the United States Government and people towards fake charges against Bangladesh.During the later part of 1992, RAW arranged numerous seminars, meetings and demonstrations in New York highlighting the subjects related to mistreatment of Bangladeshi minorities. Guest speakers were invited from foreign countries in these seminars and meetings to use them in anti-Bangladesh campaign. Articles, features and newspaper reports about discrimination against minorities
in Bangladesh published in pro-Indian newspapers in Dhaka were translated and distributed to different activists and organisations.

RAW has also been making concerted efforts to internationalise CHT problem. In 1992 RAW stooges arranged a conference in New York School for Social Research on tribal minorities in South Asia with speical reference to Bangladesh. One Bangladeshi speaker tried to draw a parallel between the 1971 war of liberation and the armed struggle of tribal people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. RAW arranges posting of fake letters to the US Congressmen, Senators, human rights groups, United Nations affiliated agencies etc. about alleged human rights abuses in CHT.

Further it arranges publication of articles in the media to draw attention to the so-called atrocities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces on the tribal people of CHT. Priests and posters of churches are also approached in the United States to write letters to local Congressmen and put political pressure on the US Capital Hill on the issue. A lengthy memorandum was submitted to the UN Secretary General requesting him to send a UN team to Bangladesh for investigation of alleged war crimes. Copies of protest letters and leaflets were distributed in the streets of New York to create favourable public opinion in this regard.

RAW selected New York as the main centre for anti-Bangladesh campaign because: (1) It is the nerve centre of world politics and business where leaders,intellectuals and businessmen from all over the world get. together. (2) USA is now the only super power. Besides it is the 2nd largest donor country to Bangladesh and the largest buyer of Bangladeshi garments. Hence the effort to hamper Bangladesh-US warm relations. (3) To create an anti-Bangladesh public opinion so that USA does not put pressure on India to resolve its disputes with Bangladesh.

Influenced by these organised campaigns in the USA during the last couple of years, 17- US Congressmen ina joint letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia expresed their concern on the reported discrimination and mistreatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh. In the letter they said, "The esta~lishment of Islam as the state religion continues to cause concern among Hindus, Buddhists and Christian minorities. We are concerned that these events are part of mistreatment of religious minorities.Among the Congressmen who signed this letter (from Democratic as well as Republican Party) are: Thomas Foglietta of Pensylvania, Gary Ackerman, Eliot Engle and Edolphus of New York, Henry Waxman and Nancy Pelosi of California, ehristopher Smith of New jersey and Bernard Sanders of Vermont.

The RAW stooges like Bidut Sarkar, Stephen Gomez, Shambal Chowdhury are being protrayed as leaders of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Council in some US newspapers. A Buddhist monk named Bimal Vhikhu has been going strong lobbying in Washington and the United Nations. Bimal Vhikhu had migrated to Calcutta in 1986 and permanently settled in India. CR Dutta, Bimal Vhikhu and other leading activists met several members of the House of Representatives and Senate including Senator Kennedy in Washington. It is learnt that RAW has been using Indian missions in Washington, New York and other. US cities for arranging interviews of dissident leaders with the leading Congressmen an,d Senators.

RAW has also been using various UN bodies for propagating against Bangladesh. In 1992 Centre for Human Rights based in Geneva arranged a conference on the International Year of the World's Indigenous People.RAW arranged inclusion of an Indian citizen Mr. Bimal Vhikhu in the list of the NGO speakers. He addressed the conference claiming to represent the tribal community of CHT. He castigated Bangladesh for all sorts of actions and excesses against tribal people of CHT.

RAW, has also been arranging visits to UN Human Rights Commission by Chakma leaders almost every year. After the demolition of Babri Mosque, Bangladeshi Muslims showed highest degree of restraint in ventilating their anger' and grief. However, some spontaneous anti-Indian demonstrations were staged in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh. No Hindu was killed in these demonstrations. Bangladesh Government took unprecedented precautionary measures to check any untoward happening. Nevertheless RAW stooges based in the United States shamelessly launched vigorous anti-Bangladesh campaign about alleged excesses against Hindus in Bangladesh. Scores of anti-Bangladesh demonstrations took palce in front of the UN building and the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. Anti-Bangladesh slogans condemning so called communal and racial violence were raised in these demonstrations.

Memorandums were submitted to the UN Secretary General, Bmlgladesh Consulate General and other Human Rights organisations levelling charges against BangladeshGovernment on its supposed failure to protect the rights and properties of the Hindus.RAW is also using local Indian magazines including News India and India Abroad etc. for anti-Bangladesh propagation. Distorted facts and figures are published in these magazines for furtherance of RAW's objectives.

Special articles are written by RAW hirelings to defame Bangladesh. RAW stooges project Bangladesh as a worthless country whose people are. fanatics, uncivilised and devoid of civic sense. Thus what they say about Farakka or Talpatti or about Indian involvement in CHT affairs is senseless.The above are some examples of RAW's anti-Bangladesh propaganda campaign abroad. It is imperative for Bangladesh Government to take appropriate steps to thwart RAW's propaganda.

CHAPTER-33

OTHER ISSUES

Erection of Barbed Wire Fence Along Borders

India is pursuing an ambitious and higly expensive programme for erection of barbed wire fence along the Indian border with Bangladesh. It is amazing that India has embarked upon the programme at a time when the trends all over the world are to remove physical barriers between nations and the people. The removal of infamous Berlin Wall is an example of same phenomenon. The walls, fences and other physical barriers are constructed to protect a country against external threat. Question arises as to what threat Bangladesh poses to India's security? Obviously there is no threat to India from Bangladesh. Then why India is implementing the programme despite very high costs?

The usual explanation given by Indian authorities is that they want to seal India's borders with Bangladesh in order to check illegal infiltration. However, their real aim is indeed sinister. The Indians want to convert the borders into a one way valve whose control will be with them. This will enable them to pursue their various nefarious designs against Bangladesh with ease including 'push back', launching of terrorists, saboteurs, spies, organising one way smuggling and drug trafficking etc.

The erection of wire fence is being undertaken in a phased but rapid programme. Work is already in progress in various sectors of Indo-Bangladesh border. Reporting about progress of the work in Dinajpur, Thakargaon and panchagarh areas, Daily Janakantha wrote: "Day and night work is going on to build metalled roads along the border. Similarly erection of wire fence is also being undertaken at rapid speed. Already 507 kilometre long fence has been erected. Moreover Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has instructed the farmers who have lands along the border not to cultivate crops which grow tall enough to obstruct observation. The expenditure on construction of the roads and erection of fence is estimated to be Rs 468 crores(Janakantha : May 1, 1994).The Daily Sangram reported in its issue of July 27, 1995, "Fence is being erected in three rows from Sona Moque topposite Chakpara) to Karimganj-Kaliganj area. Besides, observation towers and metalled road have also been constructed withhin 200 yards of the border."

The Daily Al Mujadded reported, "The barbed wire fence in Jibannagar sector of Chuadanga District has three rows. The first row is 9 feet high fenc,e mounted on angle iron pickets. The middle row is 4 feet high straight fence and the last row is 6 feet high coil fence. The centre row is electrified. The rows are 3 feet apart from each other. A 20 feet wide metalled road has been constructed at a distance of 10 feet from the fence. Steel gates have been fixed in the fence at each 2 kilometre distance"(Al mujadded : May 14, 1995)."Along Indo-Bangladesh border in Satkhira sector, India has constructed barbed wire fence all along the border. The fence has three rows. The middle row shall be later electrified. Observation towers are being built at close intervals(Mujadded : April 10, 1995)."India has also erected barbed wire fence at Garo Hills area, Sylhet-Maulvi Bazar border and along border of Tripura state(Daily Janata : May 12, 1995).

Erection of fence along the border is part of a bigger consipiracy by RAw to cripple Bangladesh. There are repotts that after construction of barbed wire fence, push back operations will be undertaken with maximum vigour as RAW believes that after erection of fence, it will be impossible for p.eople pushed into Bangladesh to return. Similarly there will be tremendous increase in infiltration of Indian agents and smuggling of all types 'of goods including drugs into Bangladesh.

Illegal Occupation of Bangladeshi Land

India has illegally occupied Bangladeshi land in many border areas. No where in the world a country occupied a neighbouring country's land the way India has Bangladesh's land. India is determined to perpetuate her illegal possession of such land. That is why in the past 23 years of Pakistan and in another 24 years of Bangladesh,India never seriously sat down to solve the border issues.At many places she did not even give areas allotted to Bangladesh by Radcliffe Award. India has been persistently refusing to undertake joint survey and demarcation of borders. In many border areas Indians evenremoved old border pillars and encroached upon Bangladeshi territory. In areas where middle stream of the river is recognised as the border, India diverted the river course towards Bangladesh territory and grabbed Bangladeshi area. The illegal occupation of Bangladesh's land by India has taken place at over one hundred places. However, due to paucity of space, here I whould' give details of only a few cases to inform my readers about Indian manipulation and tactics in this regard.

"India is in adverse occupation of 200 acres of Bangladeshi land at 'Berubari sector in the district of Jalpaiguri. A survey team consisting of members from both countries visited the area in 1991. Sensing that solution to the problem may be found by the team, RAW decided to put hurdles in the way of the team. It manipulated sentiments of the people in Indian area by spreading rum our that if the team is allowed to work the area would go to Bangladesh creating problems for the people of the locality. Some political parties of India including BJP and Forward Block were instigated to launch movement against survey work at Berubari area and the possible handing over of some land to Bangladesh. That forced the survey team to abandon its work and leave the locality without accomplishing its task(Daily Bhorer Kagaz : November 11, 1994).

The Daily Sangram reported, "Due to India's obstinacy and hegemonism two border points in the areas of Rajshahi District have remained unsettled for a very long period. These two areas are Chandansahar of Charghat Police Station and the other is the Nirmalchar of Godagari Police Station. Although these areas are rightly in Bangladesh, yet the Indian BSF has always been putting pressure to forcibly occupy them. In October 1992, the Indian BSF supported some India citizen to attack Bangladeshi farmers working in Nirmalchar area. At one stage BSF forcibly occupied the area and dug some bunkers as well. However, on being approached by BDR they left the area. But the Indians have not yet agreed to conduct a joint surveyw settle the issue for good. A source maintains that the Indians intend to forcibly occupy the area(Sangram : March 25, 1994).

"The Indians claim that since Padma River is the border line, therefor, Chandansahar shore belongs to them. However, they forget that in this region the river course keeps on changing. It does not mean that border line will also change. Decision about the ownership of shore should be made based on old records of river course in 1947. India, however, is not ready to accpet it. Bangladesh Government sources stated that the Indians have been requested time and again to settle the matter but they did not respond at all. As a result the Bangladeshis living in the area are under constant threat of intimidation and fear from the Indians(Daily Sangram : March 20, 1994).

"In the Thakargaon border area, the Indians have been trying to forcibly take away 90 acres of land from Bangladesh. In January, 1994, some Indians entered into the area and started preparing a tea garden there.Although BDR and BSF jointly settled the matter, the Indian farmers once again on 2 February, 1994 entered the area and started work for the same end. This time the Indians supported by BSF, managed to make a tea garden over an area of one acre of land(Daily BangIa Bazar Patrika : February 20, 1994).
The Daily Ittefaq reported, "Of the 180 miles border with India in the District of Panchagarh, 18 miles are demarcated by river. The river course has been closing in towards Bangladesh every year due to floods and picking up of stones by labourers by breaking the river banks.This has resulted in creation of new shore. India has occupied newly formed shore though these do not fall into her territory. When contacted, the relevant department of Bangladesh Government informed that the Indians do not turn up on the appointed day and time for deciding such border demarcation issue. They keep on dragging these cases. Knowledgeable sources maintain that motivated by their evil intention to keep Bangladesh's land under illegal occupation, they do not send their survey team to settle these matters(Daily Ittefaq : Sepember 19, 1994).

"On December 19, 1993, the Indian BSF personnel forcibly occupied 20 square kilometre of Bangladesh's land adjacent to the Sunderbans of the Kaikhali and Ramjan Nagar Unions located at the end of Satkhira District. They sank down more than 100 boats of Bangladesh, kidnapped some fishermen and threatened the others not to re-enter into the 10cality(Inqilab, December 27, 1993). "India has kept under forcible illegal occupation 1500 acres 'of land at the Taindong and Asalong villages of Matiranga Police Station in the Khagrachari Hill District.

In 1986-87, people of these villages, after being attacked by Shanti Bahini guerillas, left the area due to lack of security. The BSF occuppied the said area comprising of 1500 acres. BSF has set up two camps in the said land. They have also constructed metalled road and erected electric lines. When in May 1995, the Indian farnlers, on being prompted by BSF, started cultivating the said land the Bangladeshi farmers objected. However, BSF still continues to occupy the said land(Daily Janakantha, May 25 1995).The Daily AI Mujadded reported, "India has forcibly occupied 2300 acres of land along he greater Kushtia border area. It is located between pillar No. 126-127, pillar No. 132-133 at the Kathuli border, in the Isakhali border from pillar No. 122-15 to 122-65, and of Kushtia District at pillar No. 153-25 to 154-45. Besides, 300 Bigha of Bangladeshi land is under forcible occupation of India, between main pillar No 80 and 82 at the Baradi border of Damorhuda Police Station and between pillar 89 and 91 in Jhakurpur border of District Chuadanga(Mujadded : June 14, 1995)."

A Media Syndicate report published in The Daily New Nation stated, "India has occupied 2000 square miles of Bangladesh's territory by constructing dams, barrages and other structures on rivers entering Bangladesh. India has constructed 25 dams and 40 structures on 25 rivers. These structures have caused loss of water in rivers. By putting up pillars and fences in dry areas India is claiming sovereignty, over 2,000 square miles of land that belongs to Bangladesh(New Nation: October 1, 1995).

South Talpatti Island

A glaring example of India's forcible occupation of Bangladeshi land is the case of South Talpatti Island. The Island is located at a distance of 6000 metre from the mainland shore of Bangladesh as measured by aerial survey obtained from remotely sensed imageries. The Chandbaria range of Bangladesh's Forest Department in the District of Satkhira is the nearest landmass of Bangladesh. The border in this region is based on River Hariabhanga whose main course lies in the west of the Island. Thus the Island forms an integral part of Bangladesh. The Radcliffe Award had fixed mid river course as the border between India and the then East Pakistan. The same formula was inherited by Bangladesh. Based on the said principle, the ownership of South Talpatti Island should lie with Bangladesh. In a survey map made in 1967 by Survey of Pakistan, the Island was shown in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The Survey of Bangladesh map issued in'1972 had also shown the Island as part of Bangladesh. But India is not prepared to accept the said reality. On May 9, 1981, India landed her armed forces on South Talpatti Island with the support of three warships of Indian Navy. Since then India is maintaining her illegal occupation of the Island. Bangladesh has sent many proposals to India to settle the ownership issue of the Island. Bangladesh also proposed a joint or international survey. But India does not agr~e to hold any survey work. They know that such work will establish that the Island belongs to Bangladesh. Disregarding all principles, India has resorted to the jungle rule of 'might is right'.

Establishment of Bangladesh's right over the South Talpatti Island will add 25,000 square kilometers area to Bangladesh. Besides, the naval and strategic importance of this Island to Bangladesh is enormous. The shallow sea shore and beach around this Island can be developed for tourism purposes. Moreover geological surveys have indicated deposits of huge minerals like iron ore, Manganese, Aluminium etc. in the off shore of the Island.

Motivated by her desire to grab rich resources of the Island and also in pursuance of her evil design to re-establish Akhand Bharat, India has kept her illegal hold on the Island. It is well known that Bangladeshi fishermen were the first to reach the Island. They had established fishing camp on the Island in the past. In 1974 S:neikh Mujibur Rehman gave permission t.o six foreign companies for oil exploration in the area. These companies carried out exploratory work in the off shore of Bay of Bengal. Indians raised their claim only after 1974. Question arises that if the Island was India's territory, why did not she claim it before 1974. It may also be noted that India established her possession of the Island only in 1981.

India is gradually consolidating its hold over the Island. In this regard the Daily Meillat reported, "India has strengthened her armed position on the Island. India is already negotiating with foreign companies to grant them right for oil and gas exploration around the South Talpatti Island. The concerned Indian Ministry has already invited tenders for the work."The issue of unsettled border lines between Bangladesh and India is indeed a major reason for constant trouble and souring of relations between the two countries. In 1974, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Mrs Indira Gandhi had signed a treaty for solving the unsettled border issues. The treaty signed on the May 16, 1974, was published in the Bangladesh Gazette on the November 28, of the same year. The border treaty was later incorporated into the 3rd amendment of our constitution. In this treaty it is stated that all survey works would be finished by December 31, 1974 by both countries. It was also provided in the treaty that the map (new) would be prepared by May 21, 1975 and a jointly approved map will be published by December 31, 1975. Details of disputed border lines were also mentioned in the treaty signed by both parties. After signing the treaty, the survey work began in some areas. But after Sheikh Mujib was killed on August 15, 1975, the Indian Government started to show unwillingnes to make any further progress in the matter on flimsy grounds"(Mujadded : June 14, 1995).

According to international law India is bound to obey the terms of the treaty, notwithstanding change of the' Government in Bangladesh. But India is refusing to honour the treaty. She has also been flouting the terms of the treaty and is constantly endeavouring to grab Bangladesh's land illegally and unlawfully through the use of sheer force.

Late President Ziaur Rahman had adopted a bold stance on the issue of Talpatti Island. He also pursued diplomatic offensive in the matter. But the subsequent Governments of Bangladesh failed to do anything like that. Analysts believe that the RAW's hold on the subsequent Governments of Bangladesh has increased with the result that national interests and sovereignty no more take first preference. That is the reason that Talpatti Island and many other lands in border areas remain under illegal Indian occupation. Despite Bangladesh's gesture of giving two square miles of area of Berubari in exchange for Tin Bigha, Indians have failed so far to show any accommodation on the issue. Observers believe that RAW is a major player behind the scene which has been persuading Indian Government not to make any settlement of border lines and Talpatti Island issue etc. RAW is waging a war of attrition against Bangladesh and wants to use every possible mean to cause suffering and loss to Bangladesh. RAW's aim is to demoralize and pressurize Bangladesh through every conceivable way so that realization of their end game is facilitated.