Bangladesh’s Sonadia Port Dilemma: Is the US Navy the Answer?

[TaiShang]

Sonadia does not need to be militarized. It can follow in the footsteps of Gwadar, where we help to modernize and develop it, construct additional infrastructure, and retain a significant stake in the port itself. Keep the focus on economics. There can be no reasonable objection from the US and India to an arrangement like this.

BTW, requesting the opinion of @Chinese-Dragon and @TaiShang .

I agree. BD might choose to develop the port in cooperation with China by emphasizing its economic potentials that will be good for BD's economy.

No matter what, BD would be ill advised if it attempted to play one great power against the other on key geopolitical matters. That often backfires, as seen in the case of Vietnam. Great powers are too smart not to be duped.

 

[dray]

Yep,if Gwadar be one arm of the nut-cracker then Sonadia is the other.Sonadia will be the most valuable pearl in China's String of Pearls.

You haven't understood the significance of a nut cracker astride India with the handle at Tibet. Sitting at the top of the Bay of Bengal we are definitely more important than the unreliable Burmese.

Have you ever heard the idiom: "Rajay rajay juddho hoy, ulukhagrar pran jay" ??

Nut-cracker my foot, have you ever looked at Bangladesh map and saw how you guys are placed like a perfect nut?

Well the attempt needs to be made at least.

BD has over 150 Million mainly Muslim population that can help box India in.

Box India in? What you take before coming to PDF? Here is the reality check.

 

[extra terrestrial]

of course I'm saying from Indian perspective.

I expected a neutral opinion!

last 43 years of compromise..hmm..what kind of compromise you want to point out??good relationship??swapping lands??business deals??you probably don't know what kind of treaty we had with Bhutan and Nepal.in comparison to that,we barely interfered with BD.

There's a lot! First, take a look at the bilateral trade, Indian products are enjoying total free market access in Bangladesh while India has imposed huge tariffs and non tariff barriers on Bangladeshi products. We have even began to allow the transshipment of foodgrains to your North East without charging a single penny as transit fees. Later this year, the coastal shipment will also begin to take place.

Bhutan and Nepal? They are landlocked countries and bound to be dependent on India while Bangladesh not only has direct sea access but is poised with a strategic location, it's like India needs Bangladesh more than vice versa.

but if some political party actively pursues anti india politics,we're bound to react.tell me,how many rebels/terrorists snicked through Indo-BD border.it is the hotspot of fake currency,drug dealings and every other kind of wrongdoings.only few months ago,your court handed over verdict of Chittagong Arms Case.how many that kind of "Interference" you could point out after you got your freedom??please spare me Jamaati propaganda.

India was directly assisting Shanti Bahini in Chittagong Hill Tracts until the organization signed the peace deal with the Bangladesh government. India's involvement in BDR mutiny is well documented. Chittagong Arms Case! hmm, and who halted the shipment of those ammunition?

about US base,are you sure you want to bring Japan and Korea into the picture??in both countries,US bases are over 60 years old.but having a islamist state,and a terrorist hotspot,BD will be bound to another political unstability and probably a target of terrorist activity.its a pattern what most Islamic countries are following.

What about US bases in the Gulf states? Those countries are more prone to Islamic extremism than Bangladesh.

.about China becoming Superpower,China isn't 1/10th of what SU was,and probably never going to be.its a constant pattern..USA creates a hype,the whole world follows it.USA gives it some space and the following country demonstrate some muscles.then USA simply purges it.it is happening time and again.we've seen SU,we've seen Japan,and now,it is China.any threat to US superiority met the same result.the reason is,USA can dominate and will dominate the world for forseeble future,because of its capability to make allies whenever needed.

Well, it's not only my opinion. Even many American scholars have acknowledged the fact that China will surpass US militarily in near future, not to mention Chinese economy is set to surpass US within a decade!

about nullifying Indian interference,you'll bring China or USA.I wonder,whom you'll bring to nullify their interference..
there is a famous quote of Netaji..when Russia said to Netaji that they could help him to rout british,he said,I wonder,whom I'd have to call to make you leave India.never give space to foreign powers,they'll simply use you and then leave you.take a look towards Pakistan.

Well, that's where the leadership comes into the scene. If proper acts and decisions are taken, I don't think they will be able to interfere.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

I agree. BD might choose to develop the port in cooperation with China by emphasizing its economic potentials that will be good for BD's economy.

No matter what, BD would be ill advised if it attempted to play one great power against the other on key geopolitical matters. That often backfires, as seen in the case of Vietnam. Great powers are too smart not to be duped.

Sonadia does not need to be militarized. It can follow in the footsteps of Gwadar, where we help to modernize and develop it, construct additional infrastructure, and retain a significant stake in the port itself. Keep the focus on economics. There can be no reasonable objection from the US and India to an arrangement like this.

BTW, requesting the opinion of @Chinese-Dragon and @TaiShang .

Exactly right.

We need to work on economic development first, "dual use" for military purposes may come later on, and by later I mean after China's current stage of economic development is completed. Our current policies are not in favor of overseas military bases at this point in time.

 

[asad71]

A

Have you ever heard the idiom: "Rajay rajay juddho hoy, ulukhagrar pran jay" ??

Nut-cracker my foot, have you ever looked at Bangladesh map and saw how you guys are placed like a perfect nut?



Box India in? What you take before coming to PDF? Here is the reality check.

Arey Dada,swadhinota'r andolan korey chherey ashen na eiee chhatukhor'der theke.

 

[GR!FF!N]

I expected a neutral opinion!

there is none.

There's a lot! First, take a look at the bilateral trade, Indian products are enjoying total free market access in Bangladesh while India has imposed huge tariffs and non tariff barriers on Bangladeshi products. We have even began to allow the transshipment of foodgrains to your North East without charging a single penny as transit fees. Later this year, the coastal shipment will also begin to take place.

Bhutan and Nepal? They are landlocked countries and bound to be dependent on India while Bangladesh not only has direct sea access but is poised with a strategic location, it's like India needs Bangladesh more than vice versa.

forgot financial aid,free electricity and other free goodies??that was just tip of it.one request,do you guys have something in the line of RTI??then why don't you guys ask your govt about it??you're living in a democracy,not some autocracy.but you guys rather live happily choosing propaganda than the truth.

Bhutan and Nepal were not dependent on India for Sea Ports only.Afghanistan is land locked too.how much it depends on Pakistan or Iran??you should study more about Friendship treaties with these countries.and we need Bangladesh more than Bangladesh needs us??how long it was before we started these transits??1 year may be??Bangladesh is here for 43 years.

India was directly assisting Shanti Bahini in Chittagong Hill Tracts until the organization signed the peace deal with the Bangladesh government. India's involvement in BDR mutiny is well documented. Chittagong Arms Case! hmm, and who halted the shipment of those ammunition?

more lies bro.why don't BD proves it??It was India who alerted BD about coup.and now,make a stand.who was then Indian Stooge??BDR??Army??or Govt??because,your fellow members accuse all of them for Indian Stooge.

What about US bases in the Gulf states? Those countries are more prone to Islamic extremism than Bangladesh.

Guess what??all of them are..but unlike BD,those bases aren't too close to another adversary.what is these "Extremist" shit??just created by some state to fight a proxy war.China has a history of supporting them.plus,the situation of BD is more ideal to flourish extremism.the environment is already there.

Well, it's not only my opinion. Even many American scholars have acknowledged the fact that China will surpass US militarily in near future, not to mention Chinese economy is set to surpass US within a decade!

aint those US scholars predicted Japan would cross USA and will become Economic Superpower??always remember,these scholars chant according to the government and to create fear among neighbours.guess what,China is nowhere near a great power,no foreign military base,no "reliable allies" like Russia had,but their opposing block is already being placed.no power can't grow further if they can't solve their differences with neighbour.if Mexico or Canada was USA's Enemy,USA probably couldn't project their power across the world as then their aim would have to counter these states.

China may get reasonably powerful,even may get their economic leverages on various states,but power projection??doubtful.

Well, that's where the leadership comes into the scene. If proper acts and decisions are taken, I don't think they will be able to interfere.

in one hand,you're accusing your country's leadership as Indian stooge,and yet expecting them to handle far greater powers like US and China??

 

[dray]

Arey Dada,swadhinota'r andolan korey chherey ashen na eiee chhatukhor'der theke.

Amra swadhinotar andolan korei swadhinota peyechi, ar amader nijeder parichoy ba swadhinota niye kono dwidha, sangshoy, ba bibhranti nei.

Ar chere asbo mane? ki chere asbo? Nijer desh? Kar janya chere asbo? Jara dharmer dohai diye protibeshi bangalider bhitemati chara koreche, khun koreche, tader janya? Hothat hindur jaater proti ei bhalobasha keno? Brihottoro Bangladesher janya jomi kom porche?

 

[Luffy 500]

dalals like Hasina was chosen by your fellow countrymen.and its sad to see that your own country's court banned Patriotic Jamaats.

When did my fellow countrymen choose Hasina?

Btw JI is still a legal party and u simply can't ban it as its a ideological party with a very strong grass roots and chain of command. MB is still there in the ME while similar parties survied kemalism in turkey to take the present shape of AKP.

now,the truth,when you chose leaders like above mentioned,

We r not allowed to choose leaders now and that's one of the many reasons why people hate India.

who could sell his/her own mother for money,this is bound to happen.those two witch is simply loves their power,and in the meantime,BDs suffer.

Every 3rd world country have corruption but only 4th world states have puppet dictators and Indian congress turned us into one such state.

but then,I don't know why BDs get fooled so easily.simple propaganda from Jamaat,and BDs go haywire.simple accuse from one of the witches,and they chant anti India slogan.even they accuse their Army,Paramilitary units,Court,Police and Govt for Indian Stooge.no wonder,BD remains India's constant headache.

DO u idiot indians know anything else apart from 2 lines like "jamati propaganda"? If u morons r to be believed every Bangladeshi can to termed a jamati. With such levels of paranoia and hatred indian pagans won't ever feel safe from BD. What u hindutva pagans want is complete subservience from BD which is simply not possible. SO u always have this "headache".

last 43 years of compromise..hmm..what kind of compromise you want to point out??good relationship??swapping lands??business deals??you probably don't know what kind of treaty we had with Bhutan and Nepal.in comparison to that,we barely interfered with BD.

This is the indian mentality i m talking abt. SO compromise with India = being like Nepal & Bhutan. Are those 2 even sovereign states Bhutan can't even formulate their own foreign policy while nepal is a complete shithole thanks to India. How abt annexing those 2 "countries" rather than having them as show case of compromise with big brother India.

 

[sree45]

I don't get it. This project isn't going to happen till AL is in power(Since they are all RAW agents). Any discussion on such projects is futile as of now.

PDF BDesis should concentrate on removing them from power first..

 

[GR!FF!N]

When did my fellow countrymen choose Hasina?

you mean BD's election is all farce??

Btw JI is still a legal party and u simply can't ban it as its a ideological party with a very strong grass roots and chain of command. MB is still there in the ME while similar parties survived kemalism in turkey to take the present shape of AKP.

yup..strong grass root.no denying of that.mainly morons joined it.thats why a simple CGI would fool them.I remember some high level party member's Photoshopped pic on moon made them to riot.

We r not allowed to choose leaders now and that's now of the many reasons why people hate India.

LOL.then explain,how come Zia became PM few years ago??

Every 3rd world country have corruption but only 4th world states have puppet dictators and Indian congress turned us into one such state.

if thats true,it is simply showing your level.Indian Congress couldn't won election in India,but powerful enough to make Hasina win.

DO u idiot indians know anything else apart from 2 lines like "jamati propaganda"? If u morons r to be believed every Bangladeshi can to termed a jamati. With such levels of paranoia and hatred indian pagans won't ever feel safe from BD. What u hindutva pagans want is complete subservience from BD which is simply not possible. SO u always will have this "headache".

well,we categorize moronic BD members as Jamaati.it has nothing to do with whether they belong to the party or not. IQ below 5 years kid generally gets chosen for this honor.

This is the indian mentality i m talking abt. SO compromise with India = being like Nepal & Bhutan. Are those 2 even sovereign states Bhutan can't even formulate their own foreign policy while nepal is a complete shithole thanks to India. How abt annexing those 2 "countries" rather than having them as show case of compromise with big brother India.

India barely exercised the terms of Friendship Treaty on Nepal and Bhutan(Formulate foreign policy,defence policy bla bla bla).in fact,India didn't exercise it for over 2 decades.if we wanted,Nepal and Bhutan would become parts of India long ago.but its better having buffer states,just like BD.we just have to make sure that these buffers remain neutral.

 

[asad71]

Amra swadhinotar andolan korei swadhinota peyechi, ar amader nijeder parichoy ba swadhinota niye kono dwidha, sangshoy, ba bibhranti nei.

Ar chere asbo mane? ki chere asbo? Nijer desh? Kar janya chere asbo? Jara dharmer dohai diye protibeshi bangalider bhitemati chara koreche, khun koreche, tader janya? Hothat hindur jaater proti ei bhalobasha keno? Brihottoro Bangladesher janya jomi kom porche?

BANSAM hobey'ee. BANSAM Zindabad.

 

[Luffy 500]

you mean BD's election is all farce??

What elections?U mean jan 5 circus? Can a parliament where 154 seats go uncontested and 1/2 the pop. is striped of its voting right be termed elected? I would love to see such a regime in India to see the reaction of 2 faced hypocrites like u.

yup..strong grass root.no denying of that.mainly morons joined it.thats why a simple CGI would fool them.I remember some high level party member's Photoshopped pic on moon made them to riot.

U seem to have good contacts with JI leaders.

LOL.then explain,how come Zia became PM few years ago??

She became PM via democratically acceptable means through process and institution that her rival Hasina put forth. While hasina destroyed all those institutions and the way she is staying in power post- jan 5 even beats ME dictator despots.

if thats true,it is simply showing your level.Indian Congress couldn't won election in India,but powerful enough to make Hasina win.

Any ruling party in India have power to interfere in BD as they have been doing 43 years. Or is it that your elected leaders have no writ over what your foreign ministry/RAW does in other countries. If that's the case India seem to fit in the definition of a rogue state.

well,we categorize moronic BD members as Jamaati.it has nothing to do with whether they belong to the party or not. IQ below 5 years kid generally gets chosen for this honor.

By that definition India is a country of a billion jamatis.

 

[kalu_miah]

What elections?U mean jan 5 circus? Can a parliament where 154 seats go uncontested and 1/2 the pop. is striped of its voting right be termed elected? I would love to see such a regime in India to see the reaction of 2 faced hypocrites like u.

Which high level party member photoshopped pic? That was a online circus hyped up by awami propaganda but even they didn't blame the propaganda on certain high level JI leader the way u have. U seem to have good contacts with JI leaders.

She became PM via democratically acceptable means through process and institution that her rival Hasina put forth. While hasina destroyed all those institutions and the way she is staying in power post- jan 5 even beats ME dictator despots.

Any ruling party in India have power to interfere in BD as they have been doing 43 years. Or is it that your elected leaders have no writ over what your foreign ministry/RAW does in other countries. If that's the case India seem to fit in the definition of a rough state.

By that definition India is a country of a billion jamatis.

Rogue state - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Luffy 500]

India barely exercised the terms of Friendship Treaty on Nepal and Bhutan(Formulate foreign policy,defence policy bla bla bla).in fact,India didn't exercise it for over 2 decades.if we wanted,Nepal and Bhutan would become parts of India long ago.but its better having buffer states,just like BD.we just have to make sure that these buffers remain neutral.

There shouldn't be such treaties in the first place. SO BD should become & remain a subservient buffer to your paganistic hell hole and BDs should accept such imposition in the name of compromise ? DO u pagan hindutvas lack the grey matter in your brains?

Btw india did exercised terms of those treaties with nepal & bhutan. Bhutan don't even have embassies with major foriegn power including US only because india doesn't want it. While nepal has been truned into a shit hole anyway. A simple political officer of the indian consulate in Nepal is more powerful than the nepali PM.

 

[Luffy 500]

Hindu's lack grey matter, its genetic and related to their vegetarian diet. You are wasting your time.

U r right but u see most of these 2 faced hypocrites r hindutva militant extremist supporters and they have the audacity to call us names. Which party we support shouldn't be a matter for them. These indians r bigots of the highest order. That hindtuva @GR!FF!N was whining abt how BD doesn't "compromise" with India like bhutan and nepal.