New Delhi: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's exit from her country after weeks of protests is a landmark moment in South Asia. The political unrest in Dhaka remains a serious concern for the international community as the geopolitical implications loom after the latter resigned.
The South Asian nation is currently facing a power vacuum with the military stepping in to bring back normalcy and peace in the strife-torn nation. To understand what could be the implications for India and what could happen next, ETV Bharat spoke to Dr Suvrokamal Dutta, an International Conservative Political Economic and Foreign Policy Expert.
Dr Dutta said India should be extremely cautious about the rapidly changing political scenes in Bangladesh. "It seems the Bangladesh Army is actively supporting the BNP and Jammat in this whole situation. The Bangladesh Army's top officials have very deep ties with several influential people in the USA and the US seems to be backing them up including the American Embassy in Dhaka," he said
"Already the violence in Bangladesh has taken an Anti India turn. Hindus are being targeted in a big way in the violence now. Temples, houses and shops of Hindus have been looted and burnt. Hindus are lining up in the North Bengal and Assam borders requesting to cross over to India to save their lives, honour and dignity and are seeking refugee status and Political asylum in India," the expert claimed.
"If the situation worsens further and serious refugee crises like 1971 unfold then the Modi Government should intervene up to any level if required send the Indian forces to that country. For such a situation not to emerge the Indian Government should get in touch with the caretaker regime and the Bangladesh Army general at the earliest and also issue a strict warning to the existing power players there to stop the violence against the minorities especially the Hindus and give full protection to them", he added.
With Hasina's exit, New Delhi has lost a very stable partner in the neighbourhood. India is likely to face a strategic challenge, especially in the face of the Chinese hegemony as it is now left with governments in the neighbourhood not expected to lean towards New Delhi except for Sri Lanka.
In 2023, Maldives decided to elect Mohamed Muizzu as its president, selecting a leader known for his preference for China as a development partner. In Nepal, the new Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has made repeated claims about the country's intention to regain control of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura from India. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has initiated a vigorous campaign against India. The BNP's 2024 "India Out" movement, which involves the boycott of Indian goods during the Ramadan season, has gained momentum and support.
Dutta further noted that China was never comfortable with the cosy and solid cemented ties of Bangladesh with India under the Hasina Government."China therefore seems fully funded this whole coup in Bangladesh with full support from ISI of Pakistan and the BNP and Jammat in Dhaka", the expert claimed.
Meanwhile, the US reportedly revoked the visa of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina following her ouster from power. This decision comes amid reports that foreign hands especially the US are at play leading to her ousting. Commenting on the development. Dutta said, "Cancellation of the US Visa of Sheikh Hasina by USA exposes the nefarious and evil designs of USA on how desperate America was in plotting the fall of the Hasina regime in Bangladesh. Now it's clear beyond doubt that there is a huge American and UK plot behind the scenes for the ouster of the legitimate elected Government of Bangladesh. Reports are emerging that the Son of Khalida Zia of BNP together with the ISI of Pakistan and the Jammat plotted this whole plot with the full support of US, UK and Chinese funding in London and Saudi Arabia to ensure the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Government".
The former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currently in India and her stay has been extended as the request for her asylum in the UK faces legal hurdles. As per UK immigration rules and norms: "The UK has a proud record of protecting people who need it. However, there is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge."
Also, "those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the fastest route to safety", the rules said.
Post her exit from the country, Hasina was flown off to Hindon airbase in UP, Ghaziabad on Monday evening. On Tuesday, India's External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar said that Hasina at a very short notice, requested approval to come for the moment to India. India simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived on Monday evening in Delhi. As per sources, India has assured help to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and given her time to decide the future course of action.
India-Bangladesh relations have been exceptionally close for many decades over many governments. Both countries share a multifaceted and dynamic relationship rooted in historical, cultural, and geographical ties. India played a crucial role in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971, providing military support that helped Bangladesh gain independence from Pakistan. India is one of Bangladesh's largest trading partners. Bilateral trade has grown significantly, with both countries benefiting from tariff concessions and duty-free access under various agreements.
Earlier today, reacting to the developments in Bangladesh, Pakistan expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. "The govt and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, sincerely hoping for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy. We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future", said a statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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