Introduction
India and Bangladesh have a special relationship; recent events have highlighted their close ties. Bangladesh’s long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight to India have raised questions about how India can help its ally during this crisis.
Sheikh Hasina’s Visits to India
In June, Sheikh Hasina visited India twice in two weeks. Her first visit was to attend Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony. She later made a two-day state visit, marking the first by a head of government to India after Modi’s BJP-led coalition secured a third consecutive victory in parliamentary elections.
Strong Bilateral Relations
India and Bangladesh have a 4,096 km border and solid linguistic, economic, and cultural ties. Bilateral trade between the two countries is around $16 billion, with India being Bangladesh’s top export destination in Asia. Despite occasional differences over issues like Bangladesh’s relationship with China and border security, the overall relationship remains robust.
Current Crisis in Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation came amid violent anti-government protests in Bangladesh. These protests began with students demanding the abolition of civil service quotas but soon escalated into a broader movement. So far, at least 280 people have died in clashes between police and protesters.
India’s Response
India has described the protests as an “internal matter” of Bangladesh. Experts believe India will closely watch the developments and may contact Bangladesh’s military to ensure its interests are considered in any interim government. While India supports free and fair elections, it is wary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returning to power, preferring an extended period of interim rule.
Historical and Political Context
Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh’s founding president, led the country for nearly 15 years, overseeing economic growth and improved living standards. However, her rule also faced accusations of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and repression of the opposition. Her recent controversial election win was boycotted by the opposition BNP, leading to allegations of a rigged poll.
Challenges and Future Prospects
India has been a principal backer of Hasina’s government, which has helped maintain stability in the region. However, some anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh arises from perceptions of India’s support for Hasina and interference in domestic politics. Moving forward, India aims to maintain a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Bangladesh, which is crucial for its interests.
Conclusion
The situation in Bangladesh remains uncertain. India has limited options but will likely focus on ensuring stability and tightening border control. As events unfold, India will continue to support measures that promote peace and calm in Bangladesh.
For more updates and detailed news, visit The Update Times.
