Delhi Must Understand the Desires of the Bangladeshi People

Photo : AP

Dhaka: As the political landscape in Bangladesh shifts dramatically following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and her flight to India on August 5, experts and former diplomats are calling on the Indian government to recalibrate its approach to bilateral relations. They urge New Delhi to base its relationship with Bangladesh on a broader, more inclusive basis rather than being anchored solely to one individual or political party.

Since Hasina’s departure, the Indian government has faced criticism for its apparent focus on the Awami League leader, neglecting to build connections with other political entities and civil society groups in Bangladesh. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has criticized Hasina's regime as a “dictatorship,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged support to the caretaker administration.

Humayun Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) and a former diplomat, emphasized the importance of maintaining balanced relations with all stakeholders in Bangladesh. “The relationship should not hinge on a single person or party,” Kabir stated. “As neighbors, Bangladesh and India need to foster a peaceful coexistence, irrespective of who is in power.”

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Kabir noted that the recent uprising, led by youth and inspired by the values of the 1971 independence war, reflects a demand for democracy, equity, and transparency. He criticized some Indian observers for their narrow view of the situation, which failed to capture the diverse perspectives of Bangladesh’s younger generation who have been advocating for their democratic rights.

In a conversation with Modi on August 16, Yunus emphasized the need for India to support a democratic, stable, and progressive Bangladesh while ensuring the safety of minorities. However, Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), criticized India for its “unconditional and exclusive support” to Hasina’s government, noting that the abrupt change of government in Bangladesh had fueled public outrage towards India.

Bhattacharya stressed the need for India to reestablish its relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual respect and balanced interests. He hoped that India would avoid making its relationship with Bangladesh contingent on any single political party. “Bangladesh needs to forge an informed national consensus on its approach towards India,” Bhattacharya remarked.

Shafqat Munir, a senior fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, echoed these sentiments, highlighting a perception among Bangladeshis that India is overly aligned with one individual and party. “India needs to demonstrate that it supports the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people,” Munir said. He suggested that India might send a special envoy to signal goodwill and start a new chapter in relations.

Munir emphasized that relations between the two nations should endure beyond changes in leadership. “The India-Bangladesh relationship is about the countries, not just individual leaders. A reset is needed,” he added.

Kabir also noted that the rapid developments in Bangladesh might have left India confused. He urged India to recognize the people's aspirations for democracy and work towards fostering mutual respect and trust.

“If India approaches this with a positive mindset, it will help create a conducive environment for a productive and respectful relationship moving forward,” Kabir concluded.

Aug. 22, 2024 11:36 a.m. 507

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