[🇧🇩] Indo-Bangla Relation: India's Regional Ambition, Geopolitical Reality, and Strategic Options For Bangladesh

[Saif]

You should have some concern for Hindus reduced to couple of percentage from 21% in Pakistan and from 31% to 8% in BD. You guys are expert in pointing figures and others and blaming others exactly for the acts which you guys do with minorities.

You should not blame Bangladesh for the reduction of Hindus since 1947. Bangladesh won't take the blame for whatever happened to the Hindus before her independence.

 

[Saif]

A wake-up call for India’s strategic interests

By respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and prioritising dialogue, India can strengthen its position as a reliable partner.

www.thedailystar.net

A wake-up call for India’s strategic interests

FILE VISUAL: FATIMA JAHAN ENA

The political upheaval in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 marked a turning point in the nation's history. A massive student-led uprising, backed by a wide spectrum of the population, toppled Sheikh Hasina's long-standing authoritarian regime. This movement culminated in the formation of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. The uprising was a response to years of frustration under Sheikh Hasina's administration, characterised by corruption, institutional decay, and the suppression of dissent.

During Sheikh Hasina's tenure, her policies often favoured India, granting it substantial economic and strategic benefits—at the expense of Bangladesh's own interests. Critics likened this dynamic to quasi-colonialism. In return, Hasina relied on India's support to maintain her grip on power, despite growing domestic opposition.

Despite Sheikh Hasina's total trust in India's support to safeguard her regime, she had to face the reality that India ultimately declined even to dispatch an aircraft for her rescue. This turn of events highlighted the pitfalls of over-reliance on foreign powers rather than cultivating domestic legitimacy.

Her removal was seen as a strategic blow by India. Faced with an unfamiliar political landscape in Dhaka, Indian policymakers seemed uncertain about their next steps.

Following Hasina's ouster, a section of the Indian media delved into a widespread disinformation campaign, alleging that massive atrocities were being carried out against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Claims of killings, rape, and attacks on Hindu temples were circulated to depict as though Bangladesh was spiralling into chaos and extremism. However, most of these allegations were entirely unfounded.

For example, ABP Ananda, a subsidiary of West Bengal's Anandabazar Patrika, aired a video showing police brutality against students on August 5, but it was misleadingly presented as evidence of Hindu oppression. Similarly, a video claimed to be circulated by RT India showed attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh. However, verification revealed that the footage actually depicted a religious festival in West Bengal, India.

Despite the interim government's urging to extradite her, India continues to allow Sheikh Hasina—an alleged violator of human rights with an active arrest warrant issued by a competent court—to disseminate propaganda and incite civil unrest in Bangladesh. By openly facilitating activities intended to demonise the interim government, India is disregarding international norms, undermining peace and security, and fuelling hostility.

Such misinformation campaigns not only distort reality but also risk inflaming communal tensions. The Indian media has even featured commentary advocating military intervention in Bangladesh under the guise of "protecting minorities" or securing strategic interests. Speculative suggestions include occupying areas like Chattogram or regions near the Siliguri Corridor.

Despite the provocative nature of these claims, the Indian authorities have taken no action to discourage such rhetoric, raising questions about their adherence to international norms. However, India recently clarified that the government was not responsible for the activities of the media outlets that have been spreading disinformation.

Domestically, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to be leveraging these narratives to strengthen Hindu nationalist sentiment in their favour. Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress and Trinamool Congress, have echoed similar rhetoric to appeal to the Hindu majority electorate. This tactic may temporarily unify the Hindu vote but risks long-term damage to India's regional relationships.

On an international level, if India continues to view misinformation as a strategic tool to retain influence on Bangladesh by undermining the credibility of its interim government, it will be counterintuitive. This strategy overlooks a critical reality: the more pressure India applies, the more the people of Bangladesh, including its minority communities, unify against its interference. It reflects the same miscalculation India made by exclusively supporting the Sheikh Hasina regime, disregarding the will of the Bangladeshi people.

Bangladesh is not just a neighbour but a vital trading and security partner whose stability directly affects India's northeastern states. Escalating tensions could destabilise the region, harm economic ties, and push Bangladesh closer to other global powers eager to fill the vacuum left by India's waning influence. India's dominant posture in South Asia has already strained its relationships with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal among others. A similar trajectory with Bangladesh risks further isolation, undermining India's long-term strategic objectives.

The recent visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka—four months after the interim government took office—provides some room for optimism, however. The Indian foreign secretary said they wanted to "carry on from where we left off" and that they "have to do business with the government of the day." Indeed, constructive engagement, based on mutual respect and shared goals, would benefit both nations. A stable and prosperous Bangladesh is critical for regional security and economic interdependence.

Hence, India should focus on fostering trust and rebuilding ties. By respecting Bangladesh's sovereignty and prioritising dialogue, India can strengthen its position as a reliable partner, safeguarding its interests in South Asia. To realise its aspirations for superpower status, India must prioritise cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and genuine partnership; only then can it secure its place as a stable and respected leader in the region.

Saifur Rahman is a senior IT specialist and certified professional, Australian Computer Society.​

 

[Saif]

India supports democratic, inclusive Bangladesh: MEA spokesperson

During a weekly media briefing on December 20, the MEA spokesperson said they have reiterated their willingness to build a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh

www.thedailystar.net

India supports democratic, inclusive Bangladesh: MEA spokesperson

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said they support a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive" Bangladesh.

"That is our approach to Bangladesh and our ties with Bangladesh, and as a democracy also," said official spokesperson at the MEA Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question on election issues in Bangladesh.

During a weekly media briefing on December 20, the MEA spokesperson said they have reiterated their willingness to build a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh based on "mutual trust, respect, and mutual sensitivity" to each other's concerns and interests.

Jaiswal referred to recent Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries where they had a range of talks and they have very clearly defined their approach towards their ties with Bangladesh.

"We've also emphasised that the people of Bangladesh are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity building and such activities are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh," he said.

One of the reporters wanted to India's stance on Adviser Mahfuj Alam's recent Facebook post.

In reply, the MEA spokesperson said they have taken this up with the Bangladesh government.

"We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred to has been taken down. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," Jaiswal said.

While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation, he said.

"And once again to repeat that we have strongly protested against this with the Bangladesh government," Jaiswal said.

He said India follows all developments which have a bearing on their security and interest very closely. "And we take these things very seriously and take action as appropriate."​

 

[Saif]

Reciprocity needs to be at heart

THE recent political changeover in Bangladesh and the ongoing misinformation campaign by Indian media has significantly strained the bilateral relationship. India’s giving shelter to the deposed prime minister...

www.newagebd.net

Reciprocity needs to be at heart
by Mohammad Rashed Alam Bhuiyan 21 December, 2024, 00:00

THE recent political changeover in Bangladesh and the ongoing misinformation campaign by Indian media has significantly strained the bilateral relationship. India’s giving shelter to the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina after the August 5 changes has deepened the disappointment of Bangladeshis towards India. The persistent propagation of minority grievances by the Indian media, often without supporting facts or credible evidence, has further fuelled a growing instability in bilateral relations.

The furore in India over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader based in Chattogram, harms the spirit of goodwill and mutual understanding between the two neighbours. More than 50 demonstrators reportedly stormed and damaged the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, Tripura, which amounts to the violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Such developments, alongside long-standing grievances such as India’s denial of a fair share of transboundary river waters for Bangladesh and the flooding in Bangladesh triggered by India’s release of water during the monsoon season have intensified negative public sentiment.

Additionally, frequent death of Bangladeshis along the border, the abduction of Bangladeshi fishermen from adjacent water bodies coupled with unjust transit and transshipment agreements, which largely go against Bangladesh’s interests, are viewed as manifestations of Indian neocolonialism in the post-1971 period. The issues collectively contribute to the strained bilateral relationship, amplifying distrust and dissatisfaction among Bangladeshis.

Furthermore, the Indian media have propagated misinformation regarding Bangladesh’s efforts to normalise trade relations with Pakistan. The reopening of shipping communications between Bangladesh and Pakistan has triggered a wave of fabricated stories on the Indian media. The claims lack credible evidence and are aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s efforts to engage in sovereign trade and diplomatic activities. As an independent and sovereign state, Bangladesh has every right to build and strengthen diplomatic and trade relations with any nation. Being a member of SAARC, there is no harm in normalising relations with Pakistan.

European nations like the United Kingdom and Germany fiercely fought during the world wars, yet they have since established close, cooperative relations and collaborated extensively under the European Union as partners in trade and development. India also maintains excellent diplomatic relations with numerous countries that share ties with Pakistan. India’s reservations about Bangladesh’s improving relations with Pakistan are, therefore, unjustified and illogical. Bangladesh has consistently supported cordial diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and this principle has been reaffirmed by the interim government’s stand— hurting no one and not allowing anyone to hurt Bangladesh. The approach underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to sovereignty, neutrality and peaceful cooperation in its international relations.

The ties between India and Bangladesh as well as the importance of maintaining good diplomacy, is too significant for both countries to allow the relationship to be damaged by emotionally charged decisions, misjudged policies or media-driven propaganda. It is in the best interests of both Bangladesh and India should preserve and strengthen their peaceful, coexistent relationship, founded on mutual respect, trust, reciprocity and non-interference.

In a recent statement, former Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has emphasised the need for India to engage with the current leadership in Bangladesh. Similarly, Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain has stressed that India must address Dhaka’s concerns. It is good move that Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on December 10 to address the ongoing tension. Such exchanges of delegations, meeting and dialogues must continue to clear up misunderstandings and establish a new trajectory for a mutually beneficial, win-win partnership.

India has a significant consumer market in Bangladesh while Bangladesh imports substantial quantities of essential goods and industrial raw materials from India. Additionally, industries such as motor vehicles, transport and others have experienced significant growth over the years. It is also worth noting that a large number of Indians are employed in managerial positions in Bangladesh’s apparel industry, healthcare sector, restaurant businesses and other service industries. A large number of Bangladeshis also go to India for tourism and private-sector health care.

Any strain in bilateral relations will not, therefore, only adversely affect Bangladesh but also India. In recent times, calls to boycott Indian products have gained popularity among some segments of the Bangladesh population, driven by disappointment about India’s perceived zero-sum foreign policy towards its neighbours. Indian hegemonic policies have contributed to rising anti-Indian sentiment across South Asia, including countries such as the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Such developments highlight the need for India to adopt a more inclusive and cooperative approach to regional diplomacy, ensuring mutual benefits to all.

India, in particular, must take steps to identify and address sources of discontent within the Bangladeshi public. A key priority for India is to acknowledge the political changes in Bangladesh and move away from its perceived over-reliance on the Awami League. The general public perception in Bangladesh is that India has maintained ‘special relations’ with this political party, often viewed as serving India’s interests over Bangladesh’s. Moving forward, India should learn to engage constructively with the Bangladesh government and its people as a whole, rather than aligning with any single political entity, especially in the light of the evolving political landscape.

The interim government has expressed its strong commitment to maintaining the communal harmony and has implemented various initiatives to safeguard the civil security of minorities and all citizens. Despite such efforts, the ongoing propaganda by Indian media, stigmatising Bangladesh and exaggerating claims of minority oppression, has created mistrust and further fuelled negative public sentiment towards Delhi and its divisive politics. To improve relations between the two nations and their people, India must avoid falling into the trap of repeating the same strategic mistakes. It is imperative for India to urge its media to refrain from using derogatory language and baseless accusations against Bangladesh. It is high time that India recognised this growing concern and took corrective measures. Resolving long-standing bilateral issues is, however, essential for establishing a more equal and sustainable partnership. Outstanding issues such as the Teesta water treaty, the widening trade gap and border killings must be addressed promptly to meet the aspirations of Bangladeshis. Resolving these critical bilateral concerns is essential for achieving trade normalisation and fostering long-term economic growth between the two nations.

India should prioritise the resumption of the fullly-fledged visa operation and the issuance of visas to Bangladeshis. This would serve as a significant gesture towards thawing the strained bilateral relations and rebuilding mutual trust. The ongoing visa restrictions have already resulted in considerable losses for India’s inbound tourism sector and private healthcare businesses, as many Bangladeshis traditionally travel to India for medical treatment and leisure. Reopening visa services would not only enhance people-to-people connectivity but also provide substantial economic benefits for India. The steps would pave the way for improved relations, reinforcing goodwill and strengthening the foundations for a more collaborative and prosperous partnership.

The foundation of India-Bangladesh relations must be one of reciprocity and mutual respect that both nations must desire and actively work towards.

Mohammad Rashed Alam Bhuiyan is an assistant professor of political science in the University of Dhaka.​

 

[Saif]

আধুনিক যুগেও মলমূত্র খায় যে জাতি (Indians are the only nation on earth who drinks cow piss and eats cow dung)​

 

[Saif]

নাকে খত দিয়ে বাংলাদেশিদের কাছে ক্ষমা চাইছে কলকাতার ব্যবসায়ীরা (The Indian business people are crying for Bangladeshi tourists. Many established business people of India are winding up their businesses for the loss of business from Bangladesh)

 

[Saif]

This dimwit ex Indian General is talking about occupying our Chittagong, Rangpur and Rajshahi. I think Bangladesh should seriously consider signing a defense agreement with China and then make attempts to forcefully occupy India's chicken's neck so that the entire North-East of India can be annexed by Bangladesh and China.

 

[Bilal9]

You cannot hide those anti Hindu Hater for Hindus. Why the temples are being attacked? Were they Pro AL? Radical Islamist always has an agenda. They cover them under different names such as Students movement etc.

You are not IN BANGLADESH. Get a grip on the real situation. Read the Bangladeshi media, watch YT videos with Bangladeshi Hindu orgs and Hindus themselves.

 

[Bilal9]

This dimwit ex Indian General is talking about occupying our Chittagong, Rangpur and Rajshahi. I think Bangladesh should seriously consider signing a defense agreement with China and then make attempts to forcefully occupy India's chicken's neck so that the entire North-East of India can be annexed by Bangladesh and China.

These are reactionary videos from India. Mainly produced by Anti-Bangladeshi media.

 

[Saif]

These are reactionary videos from India. Mainly produced by Anti-Bangladeshi media.

I was dumbfounded by the anti Bangladesh sentiment of the ex General of the Indian army. The entire defense apparatus of India is hugely anti Bangladesh and this is precisely why I want Bangladesh to sign a long term defense treaty with China.