In this short study a distinguished Bangladeshi scholar and active participant in international affairs presents many of the underlying factors which influence and will influence the interrelating countries of the Eastern Himalayas, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the States of North East India.  The history of the area is overviewed since ancient times using literary and archaeolgical sources and the records of foreign trade.  The emergence of ethnic identities is discussed and also recent India/Blangladesh tensions.  Pressing and long term security, cultural and ecological problems particularly those of water use and supply are highlighted with urgency.  Bibliography and index.