BNP Criticizes India’s Support for Sheikh Hasina
On August 5th, a big change happened in Bangladesh’s politics. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was in power for four terms and is the daughter of the country’s founder, had to step down and leave the country. This event marks the end of a chapter for a country closely linked to India. The relationship between them is based on Bangladesh’s fight for freedom, which India greatly supported.
The Awami League was removed from power. The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) took over. Now, anti-India feelings are becoming a big part of the country’s political talk.
Key Takeaways
- The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a pro-India leader, marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
- The rise of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) has led to an increase in anti-India sentiments in the country.
- The relationship between India and Bangladesh, which was deeply rooted in the latter’s liberation, is now facing challenges.
- The political upheaval in Bangladesh could have implications for India’s regional influence and geopolitical interests in the Indo-Pacific.
- The BNP’s criticism of India’s support for Sheikh Hasina’s government highlights the complexity of India-Bangladesh relations in the changing political dynamics.
Volatile Political Phase in Bangladesh
Bangladesh, with over 140 million people, is facing a tough time in politics. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation has brought uncertainty. She was known for her strong ties with India. Her government helped stop separatist movements in India’s northeast, a legacy from her father.
The opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has ties to Pakistan. Tarique Rahman, the BNP leader, has connections with Pakistan’s spy agency, ISI. This could lead to more anti-India feelings, possibly backed by Pakistan and China.
Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation and Rise of Anti-India Sentiments
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation might have been triggered by events outside Bangladesh. Her pro-India stance is now gone, leaving a power gap. This could attract support from other countries.
Anti-India feelings are growing in Bangladesh. This is bad news for regional peace and India’s interests.
“The resignation of Sheikh Hasina, a leader recognized for her pro-India stance, has created a power vacuum that could be exploited by external actors with vested interests.”
India and the world are watching Bangladesh closely. The future of its politics and its effects on India are unclear. This calls for careful diplomacy from India.
If India helps our enemy Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh’s BNP disapproves New Delhi
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been pushing for an ‘India Out’ campaign. They want people to stop using Indian products. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hit back, telling the BNP to “burn their wives’ Indian sarees” if they’re serious.
She also challenged them to stop using Indian spices in their cooking. This anti-India feeling is also growing on social media, similar to the ‘India Out’ trend in the Maldives. The BNP’s stance goes against the strong economic ties between India and Bangladesh. India is Bangladesh’s biggest trading partner.
Over the last 12 years, Bangladesh has seen fewer violent protests by Hefazat-e-Islam supporters. Many top members of this Islamist group have been arrested. This has made people feel safer.
The BNP and Hefazat-e-Islam have a history of attacking India and Western countries. They aim to harm the government’s image and keep ties with terrorism. This is why the BNP doesn’t like India supporting Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister.
“If India helps our enemy Sheikh Hasina, we will not accept it. Bangladesh’s BNP strongly opposes New Delhi’s support for our political rival.”
The BNP’s anti-India campaign is making things tough for India-Bangladesh relations. These relations have been good lately. But, with political tensions in Bangladesh, India must tread carefully to keep its influence and economic interests.
Political Upheaval’s Implications for India
The change in leadership in Dhaka has big implications for India-Bangladesh relations. India has been close to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But if she leaves, it could change a lot. India hasn’t really talked to the Bangladeshi opposition, like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami. This could put India in a tough spot as things change in Bangladesh.
Challenges in Engaging with New Administration
With the political transition in Bangladesh, India has a big challenge. It needs to engage with the new administration. The rise of Jamaat-e-Islami in the government worries India. This party has been against India before.
India must be very careful in how it deals with this situation. It needs to keep its security and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh safe.
- Rebuilding trust and rapport with a potentially hostile Bangladeshi government
- Addressing the resurgence of anti-India sentiment among Bangladeshi political elites
- Mitigating the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami and its impact on India’s security concerns
- Fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation on shared regional interests
How India talks to the new government in Bangladesh is key. It’s important for keeping its interests safe and keeping India-Bangladesh relations stable during these tough times.
“The potential influence of Jamaat-e-Islami within the interim government raises concerns for India, given the party’s historical antagonism toward India during previous BNP-Jamaat regimes.”
India’s Diplomatic Hurdles and China’s Growing Influence
India is facing big challenges as Bangladesh’s politics change. Anti-India feelings are growing, and China is getting more powerful in the area. China is investing a lot in Bangladesh, which makes it hard for India to keep its influence.
China is making its mark in Bangladesh as part of a bigger plan. This plan could make India’s neighbors turn against it. India needs to come up with a strong plan to fight back against China’s growing power.
India is a big player in South Asia, covering 72 percent of the land. It has a huge population of 1.38 billion and makes 75 percent of the region’s economy, says the IMF. But, China’s investments in Bangladesh are making things tough for India.
India has given Bangladesh a lot of money, $4.5 billion in loans in 2017 and Rs 300 million in 2021. But, China’s growing influence could hurt India’s plans to stay on top.
“The historical, political, and economic reasons have driven India to seek hegemonic control over Bangladesh. The Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST) is utilized by Indian authorities to justify establishing hegemony over smaller neighboring countries like Bangladesh.”
As things change in Bangladesh, India must deal with China’s growing power and anti-India feelings. India needs a smart plan to keep its position and protect its relationship with Bangladesh.
BNP’s Alleged Ties with Pakistan’s ISI
Recent events in Bangladesh hint at secret support from Pakistan and China. Officials say Tarique Rahman, the BNP’s acting leader, met with ISI agents in Saudi Arabia. This could mean big trouble for India, as the BNP often looks to Pakistan for support. They’ve even helped anti-India groups before.
Concerns for India’s Security and Regional Stability
Pakistan’s ISI might be backing the BNP in Bangladesh, which worries India a lot. If the BNP wins power, it could hurt India’s interests and raise tensions at the border. This could make the region even more unstable, threatening India’s safety and the area’s peace.
| Alleged BNP-ISI Connections | Implications for India |
|---|---|
|
|
If true, these BNP-ISI ties could greatly affect India’s security and the region’s balance of power. It’s important for India to keep a close eye on this situation. Taking steps to address these concerns will be key in the coming days.
Impact on India’s Defense Ties with Bangladesh
The recent political changes in Bangladesh have made India-Bangladesh defense cooperation uncertain. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had strengthened these ties. This included sharing defense technology, training, and joint military exercises. But, the rise of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami could change this.
The head of the Bangladesh military likes India, but politics in Bangladesh is tricky for India’s security. The BNP’s links with Pakistan’s ISI worry about India’s defense interests in the area.
Potential Implications
- Less defense cooperation and joint exercises between India and Bangladesh
- Less Indian defense tech and exports to Bangladesh
- Changes in training and building military skills for Bangladesh
- More security worries along the India-Bangladesh border
India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and its goals in the region depend on handling Bangladesh’s political changes. It must keep strong defense ties with the new government, if it happens.
“The India-Bangladesh defense partnership is a key part of our regional security. Any trouble in this could affect the whole South Asian region.”
Role of Western Countries in Hasina’s Ouster
The political scene in Bangladesh is changing, and Western countries like the U.S. and the U.K. are being watched closely. Some say these nations helped build a case against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, possibly leading to her removal.
Hasina turned down a U.S. request for a military base, which strained ties with the West. The U.S. has also criticized her for cracking down on opposition parties. Yet, on India’s advice, the U.S. eased up on its criticism. This was to keep Bangladesh important in the Indo-Pacific region.
If Hasina leaves, it could make things harder for India and the U.S. to fight against China’s growing power. A government in Dhaka friendly to China might give Beijing too much ground, hurting efforts to keep the Indo-Pacific open and free.
“The role of Western countries in the potential ouster of Sheikh Hasina is a complex and multifaceted issue, with far-reaching implications for the geopolitics of the region.”
As things change in Bangladesh, we’ll be watching how Western powers act and what they plan in the region. This will interest India and other big players in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s Response and Border Security Measures
India has taken steps to protect its interests and keep its citizens safe in Bangladesh. The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, held a meeting with leaders. They discussed how to keep India safe and protect its people in Bangladesh.
The 4,096 km border between India and Bangladesh is now under high alert. This is because of the ongoing tensions in Dhaka. The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) is watching the border closely to prevent any trouble.
- India shut down the internet for over 7,000 hours last year, with 30 major internet shutdowns costing $585.4 million and affecting 59.1 million people.
- The longest internet blackout in 2023 lasted from May to December in Manipur due to ethnic clashes and violence.
- Social media was shut down for approximately 144 hours in total in India.
- India ranked fifth globally in economic losses due to internet shutdowns, while Russia had the highest cost at $4.02 billion.
- Pakistan experienced 259 hours of internet shutdown affecting 82.9 million people with violations of the right to peaceful protest.
India is also trying to keep good relations with Bangladesh. They want to make sure the situation in Bangladesh doesn’t harm their friendship. This is important for both countries.
As things change in Bangladesh, India’s careful planning and diplomacy are key. They help protect India’s interests and keep the region stable.
Conclusion
The political change in Bangladesh is big news for India. India must be careful and thoughtful in dealing with its new neighbor. It’s important to fix and strengthen their relationship while fighting against China’s growing power in the area.
The new government’s stability and the role of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP will shape India-Bangladesh relations and regional security. India needs to keep its strategic influence and ensure the region stays stable. This is crucial for its own safety and economic well-being.
As things change in Bangladesh, India must walk a thin line in its diplomacy. It should use its deep historical connections and listen to the Bangladeshi people. This careful approach will help protect India’s influence in the region and keep the strong bond between India and Bangladesh. The outcome of this big change will affect the whole South Asian region’s stability and security.
FAQ
What led to the political upheaval in Bangladesh?
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founder, stepped down. This has led to a tough time for the country’s politics. Now, groups like the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) are gaining power. They are against India.
How has the change in leadership impacted India-Bangladesh relations?
India has lost a key ally with Sheikh Hasina’s departure. Now, groups like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami might join the government. This could threaten India’s security and diplomatic ties with Bangladesh.
What are the concerns about China’s growing involvement in Bangladesh?
China is investing a lot in Bangladesh, which worries India. If China gets stronger in Bangladesh, it could be bad news for India. India might face threats from Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives, and an unpredictable Bangladesh.
What are the alleged ties between the BNP and Pakistan’s ISI?
It’s said that Pakistan and China might be secretly helping the BNP in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi officials claim to have proof that the BNP leader met with ISI officials. This makes India very concerned about its security.
How has the political transition impacted India’s defense ties with Bangladesh?
Under Hasina, India and Bangladesh were getting closer in defense matters. They worked together on defense exports, training, and military exercises. But with the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami in power, these ties might get weaker.
What role have Western countries played in the political developments in Bangladesh?
The U.S. and U.K. might have helped create a case against Hasina, say some. They were upset she didn’t agree to let the U.S. have a base in Bangladesh. But India asked the U.S. to calm down, seeing Bangladesh’s importance in the Indo-Pacific.
How has India responded to the political transition in Bangladesh?
India’s Foreign Affairs Minister met with leaders to talk about the situation in Bangladesh. They’re working on security, diplomacy, and helping Indian citizens there. The BSF is also on alert to protect the border with Bangladesh.
Source Links
- https://www.cfr.org/asia?p=9725&topics=All®ions=All&type=All&sort_by=field_display_date_value&sort_order=DESC&_wrapper_format=html&page=111 – Asia | Council on Foreign Relations
- https://www.sadf.eu/research-report-8-the-hefazat-e-islam-and-the-islamist-challenge-in-bangladesh/ – Research Report 8 – The Hefazat-e-Islam and the Islamist challenge in Bangladesh – SADF
- https://www.academia.edu/5690262/The_India_Doctrine_1947_2007_ – The India Doctrine (1947-2007)
- https://www.himalayanresearch.org/pdf/2003-4-5/Vol07 N3-4final.pdf – Cover7_3-4.p65
- http://www.nagalim.nl/news/archive-022007.html – Nagalim.NL News
- https://dokumen.pub/peace-studies-an-introduction-to-the-concept-scope-and-themes-0761996605-9780761996606.html – Peace Studies: An Introduction To the Concept, Scope, and Themes 0761996605, 9780761996606 – DOKUMEN.PUB
- https://academic.oup.com/book/9733/chapter/156908627 – Domestic Bases of Foreign Policy: Bangladesh’s Policy towards India | International Relations Theory and South Asia: Security, Political Economy, Domestic Politics, Identities, and Images Vol. 1
- https://www.cfr.org/asia?p=19594&topics=All®ions=All&type=All&sort_by=field_display_date_value&sort_order=DESC&_wrapper_format=html&page=110 – Asia | Council on Foreign Relations
- https://www.distanceeducationju.in/studymaterial/402.pdf – MA Pol.Sci. Sem-1V C. NO. 402 New 2024.pmd
- https://www.vifindia.org/sites/default/files/India-Bangladesh-Bonhomie-at-50-1971-and-the-Present.pdf – PDF
- https://archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/download/11738/10370/23216 – PDF
- https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/new-age-islam-news-bureau/russia-says-it-hard-believe-islamic-state-launched-moscow-attack/d/132025 – Russia Says It Is Hard To Believe Islamic State Could Have Launched Moscow Attack | New Age Islam News Bureau
- https://dokumen.pub/curriculum-as-destiny-forging-national-identity-in-india-pakistan-and-bangladesh.html – Curriculum as Destiny: Forging National Identity in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh – DOKUMEN.PUB
- https://archive.org/stream/Bangladesh_Myths_Exploded_Junaid_Ahmad/Creation of Bangladesh- Myths Exploded – Junaid Ahmad_djvu.txt – Full text of “Creation of Bangladesh- Myths Exploded
- https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/new-age-islam-news-bureau/bogus-impersonating-voting-forbidden-islam-fatwa-issued-hyderabad-based-seminary/d/117073 – Bogus and Impersonating Voting Is Forbidden In Islam, Fatwa Issued by Hyderabad-Based Seminary | New Age Islam News Bureau
- https://defence.pk/threads/bangladesh-vs-pakistan-what-is-hasinas-real-problem.486645/post-9398354 – Bangladesh vs Pakistan: What is Hasina’s Real Problem?
- https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2473146/world – Biden knocks Trump over NATO, democracy in State of the Union address
- https://dokumen.pub/great-game-east-india-china-and-the-struggle-for-asias-most-volatile-frontier-9780300213324.html – Great Game East: India, China, and the Struggle for Asia’s Most Volatile Frontier 9780300213324 – DOKUMEN.PUB
- https://nhrc.nic.in/sites/default/files/2024-1-11.pdf – PDF
- https://www.dailypioneer.com/uploads/2024/epaper/august/bhubaneswar-english-edition-2024-08-07.pdf – untitled
About The Author
