Where Does It Stand Now?

Bangladesh is now in the midst of a cusp of new political and social rejuvenation. It is already known to us about the heart throbbing coup which took place on August 5, 2024. When former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed was ousted from the coveted throne at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka. Immediately after her ousting Sheikh Hasina flew to a secretive and highly protected zone at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, near to Indian capital New Delhi. After the coup on August 5, 2024 Dr Mohammad Yunus was called by the anti-discriminatory students’ forum to Dhaka. The objective behind calling Dr Yunus to Dhaka was no doubt hypothetical. It was for prolonged fifteen to sixteen years, Bangladesh was under hardcore authoritarian and ruthless regime thereby exterminating the voices of common citizens’ democratic and civil rights for development. Now exactly a month has elapsed since then. Now it is my earnest endeavor to examine the current situations Bangladesh is undergoing tough moments to turn the tables of diplomatic relations to new vistas she will undergo with neighboringIndia.

India and Bangladesh possess long standing relationship since her independence from the clutches of tyrannical erstwhile West Pakistani ruling. Previous name of the nation was East Pakistan. It was from March 26, 1972, the newly Independent nation achieved fullest independence thereby promulgation of new constitution. After that the newly Independent nation has been renamed as Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was crowned with the title Father of The Nation. Though he was regarded as the hero-worshipper around that time. It was mainly due to his immense contribution, Bengali as a language achieved international recognition. The language of poet Rabindranath Tagore and rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam became a household name among the civil societies of Bangladesh.

After the independence of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman travelled to length and breadth of the globe. The purpose was just to establish Bangladesh in the annals of global political and social history. However his sincere efforts was short-lived. It was on a tragic evening of August 15, 1975, the entire historical and noble family of Bangladesh was completely perished from this earth. Only Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana could escape from those traumatic moments. As they were around that time were hovering around European continents.

There was a dispute about the pattern of governance by Bangabandhu. To some historian he was rated as the most arrogant political administrator which South Asia ever produced. However Bangabandhu and his entire families plus his close confidante lost their life due to assassin’s bullet. Though he was once warned by Indira Gandhi about the probability of his assassination. But it did not embedded in the mind and heart of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ultimately Bangabandhu had to pay the price for simple and amiable demeanor.

It was towards the beginning of the decade of eighties, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana arrived in India. During their stay in India, both Indira Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee played prolific roles as per their security in India is concerned.

After a pretty long gap, Bangabandhu’s two surviving daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana returned to Dhaka to begin a new journey ahead in their life. Then with the passing away of each day of our life, thing were progressing well in life. In between three years advance. There was a change of regime under Ziaur Rahman and General H.M.Ershad. However both regimes did not last long. The former was assassinated at Chittagong circuit house and later was ousted due to a coup. The last one paved the way towards formation of caretaker government under Diplomat Fakhruddin Ahmad. This tenure also did not last long. The last named was sworn in the year 2007 January 12 the tenure of which ultimately ended in the year January 6, 2009.

As Bangladesh is once again under a caretaker government being headed by Dr Mohammad Yunus, the well-known Nobel Laureate in peace. The current caretaker government took charge on August 8, 2024. This episode will be treated as a rejuvenation phenomenon of the modern South Asian political arena. The key issues which are always in the mind of all political analysts on India, Bangladesh plus political analysts of rest of the globe. Hasina is still undergoing political asylum in a secluded place nearby to Indian capital city New Delhi named Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad.

The moot point which strikes our mind is about the relationships between these closer and cordial nations under South Asian Sub-Continent. If I delve more into details then herein requires in depth introspection. As we are on to a new century. Then we find new ideas and innovations a galore. India and Bangladesh were equally working to find out new vistas of bilateral cooperation to strengthen the South Asian economy. However under unforeseen circumstances we evince Sheikh Hasina suddenly fled from her nation due to a sudden coup which was perpetrated by vicious overseas forces. Sheikh Hasina had to leave the nation towards neighboring India. Where she is still staying despite her passport has been expired. Despite the expiry of her passport she is still staying at Ghaziabad Hindon Air force base quarter. Now her daughter Saima Wazed Putul seems to be accompanying her mother at any point where she is willing to visit.

The moot point which lay before us is that how could we forecast the cordial and amiable relations between these two nations. At present there is no government, just a caretaker government under the stewardship of Dr Mohammad Yunus, noted Nobel Laureate of international level. From August 8, this caretaker government is in power. It is the mixing of young, middle aged and aged composition. Dr Yunus is trying her level best to steer the nation to golden heights. But confusion among students vis-à-vis to other senior persons in the caretaker government. After the 5th August coup, the anti-discriminatory organizations started on a sound note undertake faster paced reforms. In between lot of proposals coming to Bangladesh. Dr Yunus is meeting all members of Diplomatic corps based in Dhaka. Even if it is a gratifying moment that the entire globe is keeping new evidence on Bangladesh.

If looking into pre-coup phase there was feeling of annoyance among quite a good section of Bangladeshi citizens. They always opined that this rising nation of South Asian Subcontinent was in the midst of terrible authoritarian and ruthless regime. It was expressed by the common citizens of the nation as well as by good section of Bangladeshi nationals. The 12th Bangladeshi national elections was nothing but farcical one. If we recollect properly it was held during the month of January on its 7th day. During the last parliamentary elections, there was participation by various foreign observers. Among them, Indian observers were there in large numbers. Along with media personnel like rest of the globe. Despite the pleading for fully participatory elections, it was not so. Though Awami League won by a massive margin. But in the mind of common citizens of Bangladesh there was a blend of mass remorse and annoyance.

Though the relations were strong and upright, but rational minded Indians have deeply expressed their deepest acrimony. This feeling was expressed as regards the issue of full-fledged participatory and democratic elections were concerned. From the beginning of June there was mass protest by student communities and also by students of various public universities located in different parts of the nation. The mass outrage continued throughout June and July. During the middle of July the Awami League government administration invited the students to have a dialogue at the official residence of former Prime Minister at her Gana Bhavan residence. Students were so much adamant that ultimately the climax reached during the afternoon hours of August 5. Sheikh Hasina tendered her resignation to the honorable President and immediately flew down to neighboring Indian capital city New Delhi. The actual venue is Hindon Air base Ghaziabad.

From August 8, the caretaker government took charge on August 8. Now it is under the stewardship of Nobel Laureate Dr Mohammad Yunus. Now one and half month has elapsed since August 5. Sheikh Hasina has applied for political asylum which was rejected uprightly by various overseas nations. On account of her prolonged stay at Hindon Airbase there has been lot of diatribe has been cast upon India by various overseas forces. In this regard the leading player is US, but China is behind US. From Bangladesh side, there has been widespread tirade raged against India, which is creating serious brittleness about India and Bangladesh relations.

As per India Bangladesh relations concerned, it was always pleasant and cordial since last fifty three years. That means since December 16, 1971. Now the way anti discriminatory students’ confederation is concerned, it has been deciphered that they have always been staging anti-Indian diatribe. It is no way supportable and highly despicable. However interesting point to be noted is that intelligentsias of that nation till date possess profound regards and affection upon India and her erudite citizens. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be trying his heart best to accelerate the pace of bilateral relations between these two amiable and cordial nations India and Bangladesh. Immediately the relations between two nations should be revamped to glorious heights.

However as Bangladeshi governance is run by a caretaker government under Dr Mohammad Yunus. But to my mind both nations should focus upon following areas such, law and order situations across the border districts connected with Indian states like West Bengal, Tripura along with Assam and North Eastern cities, road connectivity between Dhaka and Kolkata should be upgraded, expansion of trade, commerce and economic collaborations should be duly emphasized, exports and imports should be accelerated to greater heights and emphasize on cultural, corporate and professional collaborations. There are many Bangladeshi nationals who visit South Indian states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka should be provided with regular health visas. Also for health checkup and other issues like business, trade and commercial issues Indian High Commission office in Dhaka should issue regular visas.

From the Indian side, there has been assurances of ensuring bilateral relations which is expected to be reciprocated from Bangladeshi sides. Bitterness and malice should be avoided forever. Stocks are some along with similarities of Bengali language. Then why the feeling of bitterness and tantrums should persist. It should be arrested forever. Intelligentsias are always anxious in this regard.

Despite the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, which was possible due to the instigation of various vicious foreign forces. As India is closeby to Bangladesh, hence it is the earnest responsibilities on the part of the former to take note of this current unstable situations. This will further bolster the relationship between two nations. Diplomatic enclaves of Bangladesh in India should be filled up once when the new government assumes office after the parliamentary elections.

As per the relationship between India and Bangladesh concerned, let me emphasize upon following factors, revival of Farakka Treaty (of the year 1996), and setting up of Akhaura Agartala Railway link, Khulna Mongla Port Railway link, road connectivity between India and Bangladesh through Padma River Multipurpose Bridge, road connectivity with South East Asian nations etc.

Despite the prevailing turmoil in Bangladesh, it sincerely hoped by me that relationship between two nations will improve soon. But the solution towards this problems seems to be a time consuming proposition. As per my perception goes by, the probable times are two years. If India jumps into Bangladeshi political fray, then with the help of other forces, then relationship is bound to take a turn for betterment. Dr Yunus cannot produce result single handedly. It should be the result of his team members. However US, China, EU etc have stood by the side of Bangladesh. If Sri Lanka could recover then why not Bangladesh be determined to come out from current turmoil and trauma. India is eagerly waiting to witness rejuvenated and blossoming Bangladesh. Then only India’s relationship with Bangladesh goes upswing. In fact two nations should work jointly along with maintenance of law and order and development of other areas. This is always cherishable for macroeconomic development along with law and order across the border areas.


Sujayendra Das is a columnist
based in Kolkata, India.