‘End of Sheikh Hasina’s Rule in Bangladesh Increases India’s Concern

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and escape from the country has increased worries for India.

It is feared that the end of the Hasina era can lead to the rise of the pro-Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami and the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the neighbouring country. Both these parties boycotted the polls in Bangladesh this January, which made Hasina return to power for the fifth time.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is said to have met Hasina at Hindon to assess why she had to escape out of Bangladesh at such a short notice.

India is assessing the implications of the BNP and the Jamaat coming together to form a government in Bangladesh with the support of the army. It may mean that the India-Bangladesh friendly ties under Hasina may not be carried on, fear former diplomats. Hasina’s close ties with India can be known from the fact that she visited India twice since PM Narendra Modi took over on June 8.

Bangladesh turning into a hostile territory because of recent developments can have repercussions in India’s North-East, prone to insurgencies, as is taking place in Manipur at present. The last time the BNP was in power in Bangladesh from 2001-2006, several rebel groups from Assam, had taken shelter there.

During past one month, the Islamists in Bangladesh have attacked Hindu temples. On Monday, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, inaugurated in March 2010, was attacked in Dhaka.

India is concerned about this as during the past decade India has pumped in Rs 25,000 crore in infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.

According to former Foreign Secretary and former High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Shringla, the possible involvement of “ foreign powers” inimical to Bangladesh’s interests as well as to India’s, could not be ruled out.

A second former Foreign Secretary, Nirupama Menon Rao, posted on X, “We must weigh our reactions and policy moves with caution and (with) a capacity to think on our feet with agility, a clear focus and foresight. We cannot afford any misstep. There are strategic dilemmas involved here”.

Cgina has for long is wooing Dhaka to edge out India. There is Chinese influence on student bodies and the military while its ally Pakistan has influence among the Islamists.