BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

HISTORICAL AND MODERN LINKS BETWEEN BANGLADESH AND MALDIVES: DISTANT NEIGHBOURS WITH NEAR MINDS

Author: Syed Anwar Husain

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2010v31n3a1

ABSTRACT

Bangladesh and Maldives are two distinct neighbours in South Asia. Despite the common geopolitical entity and absence of common border, Maldives is important for Bangladesh due to mental nearness, religious affiliation, deep history and heritage, similar environmental challenges, common regional identity and a host of other commonalities. These commonalities, however, should have enhanced the deep and interactive relationship between the two countries. But in practice, the relationship between the two countries is diverse and distinct owing to lack of connectivity, bilateral tradelinkagesas well as sea and air connections. Considering the present context, this paper analyses the existing bilateral relationshipbetween the two countries highlighting the historical links and common determinants of Bangladesh-Maldives relations. Thepaper also suggests different dimensions of connectivity to widen,deepen and strengthen the existing relationship. The paper concludes that comprehensive interaction is required to increase people-to-people contact and governments of both sides should play a decisive role in this regard.