• UGI USER
  • Jan 12, 2024
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A BANGLADESH ‘ONE-PARTY STATE’ AND INDIA’S OPTIONS

Relevance:

GS 2

  • India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Why in News:

Sheikh Hasina returned to power in Bangladesh for her fifth term.

Source- Hindustan Times

Bangladesh’s Political Landscape

  • Election Dynamics: Sheikh Hasina’s return to power marks her fifth term, with the absence of the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Jamaat-e-Islami coalition.
  • International Congratulatory Stance: India, China, and Russia congratulated Hasina, but India’s stance raises concerns due to its democratic principles contrasting with Bangladesh’s move towards autocracy.

India’s Strategic Dilemma

  • Democratic Principles vs. Strategic Interests: India faces a conflict between its democratic values and strategic interests in supporting Sheikh Hasina’s government, which is perceived as increasingly autocratic and controversial in its election practices.
  • Impact on Bilateral Relations: India’s support for a regime criticized for election irregularities and autocratic tendencies could jeopardize its long-standing bilateral relations with Bangladesh, which are crucial for regional stability and security.
  • Domestic and International Image: Aligning with Bangladesh under Hasina’s rule potentially tarnishes India’s image as a champion of democracy, both domestically and on the international stage, particularly among Western democracies.
  • Rise of Anti-Indian Sentiment: India’s endorsement of Hasina’s government, despite allegations of election rigging and lack of opposition, has contributed to a surge in anti-Indian sentiments among the Bangladeshi population, especially the youth.
  • Balancing Regional Influence: India’s dilemma extends to balancing its influence in the region, especially in the face of increasing involvement and interest from other major powers like China and Russia in Bangladesh, potentially diminishing India’s strategic presence and leverage in the area.

Bangladesh’s Election Irregularities

  • Election Criticism: The U.S. and other allies criticize Bangladesh’s election process, challenging India’s defense of these elections.
  • Parliament Composition: The current Bangladesh Parliament largely represents the ruling Awami League, limiting opposition voices.

Influence of Salman F. Rahman

  • Adviser’s Role: Rahman, a central figure in the Awami League, is linked to controversies including stock market scams and electoral frauds.
  • Islamist Agenda: He drives the party’s shift towards Islamism, impacting Bangladesh’s secular identity.

Recommendations for India

  • Diversify Political Engagement: India should broaden its diplomatic outreach in Bangladesh by engaging with a wider spectrum of political parties and civil society groups, including secular and democratic forces, to mitigate reliance on any single political entity.
  • Foster People-to-People Ties: Strengthening cultural, educational, and economic exchanges can enhance mutual understanding and goodwill, countering any negative perceptions and fostering a more positive image of India among the Bangladeshi populace.
  • Promote Democratic Values: India could play a more active role in promoting democratic practices and principles in Bangladesh, possibly through diplomatic channels or international forums, to encourage a more inclusive and participatory political process.
  • Enhance Regional Cooperation: By taking initiatives in regional platforms like SAARC and BIMSTEC, India can work towards building a stronger, cooperative regional framework that includes Bangladesh, thereby reducing the scope for external powers to exert undue influence.
  • Address Security Concerns Collaboratively: India should continue to work closely with Bangladesh to address mutual security concerns, including terrorism, border management, and maritime security, ensuring these issues are dealt with through bilateral cooperation and trust-building measures.

India must navigate its strategic dilemma in Bangladesh by balancing its democratic principles with geopolitical interests. Strengthening diverse, inclusive political and cultural ties can help mitigate rising challenges and maintain regional influence. Ultimately, India’s approach should reflect a blend of diplomatic prudence and commitment to democratic ideals.

Major Areas of Cooperation Between India and Bangladesh:

 Historical and Diplomatic Ties:

·   India recognized Bangladesh as an independent state in 1971 and established immediate diplomatic relations.

·   Strong cultural, social, and economic connections between the two nations.

 Economic Cooperation:

·   India is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner in the subcontinent.

·   Bilateral trade reached USD 8 billion during April-November 2022.

·   Streamlined cargo export and transshipment routes via inland waterways and land routes.

·   Duty-free access for most tariff lines under SAFTA since 2011.

·   Initiated trade transactions in rupees to reduce reliance on the US dollar.

 Defence Cooperation:

·   Sharing a 4096.7 km land border, India and Bangladesh maintain strong defense ties.

·   Border states like Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura share borders.

·   Conduct joint military exercises (Army and Navy) such as Exercise Sampriti and Exercise Bongosagar.

 Energy and Connectivity:

·   The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline connects Siliguri in West Bengal to Parbatipur in Dinajpur, transporting one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum of High-Speed Diesel.

·   Collaboration on cross-border infrastructure projects like the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and Maitri Setu.

 Multilateral Cooperation:

·   Engagement in regional cooperation through multilateral forums including SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA.

 Tourism:

·   Bangladesh is the second-largest tourist-generating market for India in 2021 according to India Tourism Statistics Report 2022.

Strategic Importance:

·   Bangladesh’s geographical location as India’s eastern neighbor provides strategic access to the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.

 

Current Major Issues Between India and Bangladesh:

Transboundary River Waters:

·   Disputes over sharing 54 common rivers, with only two treaties signed (Ganga Waters Treaty and Kushiyara River Treaty).

·   Ongoing negotiations for rivers like Teesta and Feni.

 Illegal Migration:

·   Persistent issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh to India, impacting border states and resources.

·   Rohingya refugees’ influx via Bangladesh has exacerbated the problem.

·   Concerns raised in Bangladesh regarding India’s National Register of Citizens (NRC).

 Drug Smuggling & Trafficking:

·   Frequent cases of cross-border drug smuggling and human trafficking, including children and women.

·   Poaching of various animal and bird species across the borders.

Chinese Influence in Bangladesh:

·   Bangladesh’s active participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while India is not part of it.

·   Growing Chinese influence in Bangladesh raises concerns about India’s regional position and strategic interests.

 

Source

The Hindu

Mains Question

Q In conclusion, India’s relationship with Bangladesh faces complexities stemming from its support for a government sustained by disputed elections. The erosion of influence within the ruling party and criticism from Western allies raise diplomatic challenges for India. To maintain regional influence, India may need to diversify its engagement beyond a single political party. Balancing its global image and regional interests remains a crucial task for Indian diplomacy in its relationship with Bangladesh.