DHAKA: Bangladesh has won in the maritime dispute verdict in the Hague-based court with India securing 19,467 square kilometers area in the Bay of Bengal. 

Diplomatic experts think this it is not only a maritime boundary win but also something more which also a new political equation.

They said maritime win with Myanmar was only geographical boundary but win with India is very special and important for Bangladesh. 

Regarding the matter, former Ambassador Waliur Rahman said Bangladesh has won the verdict for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s wisdom, diplomatic skill, bold steps and wide-ranging plan.

“Many thought India might express its dissatisfaction if Bangladesh goes to international tribunal for maritime issue. But by the sole decision of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh did it and today India obeyed it,” he told. 

On October 8, 2009, Bangladesh appealed to the international court of arbitration to dissolve the long standing maritime dispute with India.  

The then foreign minister Dr Dipu Moni was the prosecution of the case.

In the same day the then foreign secretary Mizarul Kayes called Indian high commissioner to Dhaka Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty to ministry and gave the letter about the lawsuit. 

Many diplomats think that Bangladesh had won that time as it gave the letter against its big powerful neighbour. 

India is Bangladesh’s closest friend. So Bangladesh will not show much joyous attitude for the victory, said foreign ministry.

So, Tuesday’s press conference on the victory former foreign minister Dipu Moni and incumbent state minister Shahriar Alam did not showed more joyous mood. 

Dhaka University International Relations Department Professor Imtiaz Ahmed said, “Now it is clear that the maritime boundary will not keep disputed area in the map following the verdict.” 

He suggested government to clear more about the verdict as Bangladesh did not get something in the Sundarbans area.

BDST: 1111 HRS, JUL 9, 2014