Bangladesh‘s Interim Government Launches “Mango Diplomacy” with India
New Delhi: In a move reminiscent of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic overtures, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus has initiated “mango diplomacy” by sending a significant consignment of the famed ‘Haribhanga’ mangoes to Indian leadership, including prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu.
A total of 1,000 kg of these prized mangoes, cultivated in Bangladesh’s Rangpur district, have been dispatched to the Indian Prime minister and President. The ‘Haribhanga’ mango, named for its distinctive “broken earthen pot” shape, thrives in the Rangpur region, nourished by the Teesta River which originates in Sikkim, India.Extending the gesture of friendship, mangoes have also been sent to the Chief Ministers of Indian states bordering Bangladesh, namely West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and other North Eastern states. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tripura Chief Minister Manik saha each received 300 kg of the flavorful fruit. In a reciprocal gesture, Tripura CM Saha has sent a gift of “queen” quality pineapples, a state specialty, to the Bangladesh Chief Advisor.
This initiative follows Sheikh Hasina’s shift from sending ‘Hilsa’ fish to Indian leaders in 2022. the ‘Hilsa’, a delicacy, has faced over-harvesting, leading to its endangered status and prompting Bangladesh to curb its export during the spawning season.
The timing of this “mango diplomacy” is seen as carrying a subtle message regarding the resolution of outstanding bilateral issues, with the Teesta river water-sharing agreement being a prominent concern.
Following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India have experienced a significant downturn, with land borders closed for trade. However, the recent appointment of Riaz Hamidullah as Bangladesh’s new High Commissioner has signaled a potential thaw, with these friendly gestures appearing as early signs.Earlier, following the collapse of the Gambhira Bridge, Md Yunus was the sole head of state to convey condolences to Prime minister Modi, expressing grief over the loss of Indian lives.
Recent speculation about China’s involvement in the Teesta delta basin growth project and airport construction has been met with this renewed diplomatic outreach from the Yunus government, indicating a potential shift in foreign policy towards India.
The Teesta river basin, a vital agricultural hub, is also renowned for its superior mango production. A diplomat noted that while the subtle message’s urgency remains to be seen, the act of receiving and tasting these special mangoes may serve as a flavorful reminder of the Teesta river basin and the need for its resolution.
This unique form of diplomacy was first introduced over two decades ago by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who sent ‘Hilsa’ fish to then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu prior to the signing of the landmark Ganges Waters Sharing Treaty in 1996, thus initiating “Hilsa diplomacy” between the two nations. The Ganges Waters Treaty now awaits ratification.
