India-Bangladesh History and Future

Context:

It is six months since the unexpected ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving Prime Minister. 

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• The abrupt change in leadership caught the government off guard, highlighting intelligence lapses in assessing the political currents. 
• As Hasina now finds refuge in India, New Delhi has maintained a cautious approach, balancing diplomatic prudence with historical ties. 
• However, to effectively engage with the evolving political landscape in Dhaka, a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s past remains essential.

Present Status

• Seeking Extradition: The new regime under Muhammad Yunus has sought Hasina’s extradition, but the implications extend far beyond bilateral relations. 
• Ripple Effects: Political instability in Bangladesh has the potential to create ripple effects in India, particularly in sensitive regions such as the Northeast and Manipur, which have already experienced unrest. 
• Social Harmony: The discourse surrounding illegal immigration from Bangladesh could further strain social harmony, while the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus remains a serious concern that requires attention.
• Authoritarianism: Hasina’s leadership style was often described as authoritarian, and this perception played a role in the political shift. 
  • However, the new administration has so far shown limited capability in stabilising the country. 
  • This has inadvertently emboldened groups opposed to a secular and progressive Bangladesh, leading to deteriorating communal conditions. 
• Insecurity: The growing insecurity among Bangladesh’s Hindu population is more a consequence of present-day political dynamics than a reflection of the nation’s intrinsic cultural fabric.

India’s Role in Bangladesh’s History

• Shaping Trajectory: India has been a crucial part of Bangladesh’s history, shaping its trajectory since its birth. 
  • The creation of Bangladesh was a defining moment in the Islamic world, as it emerged from a struggle against linguistic and economic oppression rather than religious identity. 
  • Despite sharing Islam as a common faith, East and West Pakistan were deeply divided by culture, language, and governance. 
  • The historical and cultural ties between Bangladesh and India, particularly with West Bengal, remain profound. 
  • The significance of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, who hailed from West Bengal, and the adoption of Rabindranath Tagore’s composition as the national anthem reflect this shared heritage.
• Porous Borders: This deep-rooted connection is one of the reasons why the India-Bangladesh border has remained porous since 1947. 
  • The movement of people across the border has been a longstanding reality, with families and communities maintaining cross-border ties for decades. 
  • This geographical and cultural proximity played a crucial role in India’s support for Bangladesh’s liberation during the 1971 war.
• Reasons for Struggle: The struggle for Bangladesh’s independence was driven by linguistic identity, economic disparity, and political suppression. 
  • West Pakistan’s dominance over East Pakistan bore similarities to expansionist ideologies, where the well-being of the eastern region was secondary to central control. 
  • The imposition of Urdu over Bengali-speaking populations and the systemic economic neglect fueled discontent, ultimately leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War. 
  • Key events such as the failure to provide relief after Cyclone Bhola, the brutal Operation Searchlight crackdown, and the mass exodus of refugees into India galvanised international support for Bangladesh’s independence.
• Indian Intervention: India’s intervention in the war, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was driven by both humanitarian and strategic considerations. 
  • The overwhelming public support within India, particularly among Bengalis, was instrumental in shaping the decision to stand with Bangladesh’s freedom fighters. 
  • The swift 13-day war resulted in the creation of an independent Bangladesh, marking a historic moment in South Asian geopolitics.

Challenges and Progress in India-Bangladesh Relations

• Fluctuations: Despite the strong foundation of shared history, the warmth in India-Bangladesh relations has seen fluctuations over the decades. 
• Milestones: However, significant milestones have been achieved, fostering cooperation in key areas. 
  • The Tin Bigha Corridor agreement facilitated better connectivity for Bangladeshi enclaves, and the Ganga River water-sharing pact was made possible due to mutual understanding between the two nations. 
  • Given that 54 rivers flow between India and Bangladesh, such agreements are vital for sustaining diplomatic goodwill.
• Collaborations: Economic and security collaborations have also strengthened over the years. 
  • Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in the subcontinent, with growing cooperation in the power and energy sectors. 
  • Many Bangladeshis travel to India for tourism and medical treatment, further reinforcing people-to-people ties. 
  • High-level visits and diplomatic engagements have played a crucial role in maintaining this relationship. 
    • For instance, during a 2013 visit by President Pranab Mukherjee, India gifted diesel rail engines to Bangladesh, symbolising the enduring connection between the two countries.

The Path Forward: Diplomacy and Strategic Patience

• Balance: Despite recent political upheavals, the historical and cultural bonds between India and Bangladesh will continue to shape their future relationship. 
  • However, navigating the current uncertainties requires a careful balance of strategy, diplomacy, and patience.
• Firm Stance: While India must take a firm stance on issues such as minority rights, its engagement with Bangladesh should remain neutral and principles-based. 
  • The message from New Delhi must be clear: India does not favour any particular government but upholds the values of democracy, due process, and human rights. 
  • The relationship is not merely transactional but rooted in a shared legacy, and it must continue to be nurtured with mutual respect and cooperation.

The spirit of 1971 continues to be the defining thread in India-Bangladesh relations, and ensuring its preservation is in the best interest of both countries. By maintaining a steady and pragmatic approach, India can help steer Bangladesh toward stability while safeguarding its own regional interests.