The relationship between India and Bangladesh has become increasingly strained following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with both nations facing new diplomatic challenges. Hasina, known for her pro-India policies during her 15-year rule, remains in India, and her presence has complicated the already delicate balance between the two neighbors.
While Hasina’s tenure was marked by close cooperation on strategic and economic issues—such as cracking down on anti-India insurgents and resolving border disputes—her departure has left a political vacuum in Bangladesh. India benefited greatly from Hasina’s alignment with New Delhi, but her prolonged stay in India has triggered new diplomatic tensions. Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, recently expressed frustration with the situation, urging India to prevent Hasina from making political statements while she remains in Delhi. In a recent interview, Yunus stated, “If India wants to keep her until Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet.”
Yunus also described the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh as being “at a low point” and called for renewed efforts to improve ties. Comments, made in an interview with Press Trust of India, have left Indian officials reportedly upset, though no formal reaction has been issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Former diplomats have criticized what they see as “megaphone diplomacy,” urging quieter negotiations on sensitive issues.
Sheikh Hasina Dilemma
Hasina’s continued presence in India has become a focal point of internal political conflict in Bangladesh. Re have been growing calls within the country for her return to standing trial in connection with violent protests in July and August. Bangladesh’s newly appointed chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, has confirmed that steps are being taken to extradite her. However, experts believe it is unlikely that India will comply with any formal extradition request, given the long-standing relationship between New Delhi and Hasina.
India finds itself in a diplomatic dilemma. On one hand, Hasina has been a reliable ally, helping to secure the country’s northeastern borders and contributing to India’s regional security interests. On or hand, her stay in India complicates relations with Bangladesh’s new interim administration, which has signaled a shift in its approach to India.
Riva Ganguly Das, a former Indian high commissioner to Dhaka, commented, “She is staying here as a guest of India. If we don’t extend basic courtesy to our long-time friend, why would anyone take us seriously as a friend in the future?”
Yunus Criticizes India’s Stance Toward Opposition
In his interview, Yunus also criticized India’s reluctance to engage with opposition parties in Bangladesh, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is confident of winning the upcoming election. He suggested that India has been “captivated” by a narrative that portrays the BNP as Islamist and that only Hasina’s government can maintain stability in Bangladesh.
However, Indian analysts have pushed back against this claim. Veena Sikri, a former Indian high commissioner to Dhaka, stated, “Our high commissioners talk to all political parties without ascribing any labels. This narrative is inaccurate.”
During the BNP-led coalition government from 2001 to 2006, India-Bangladesh relations deteriorated due to allegations that the government harbored insurgents from India’s northeastern states, a charge BNP denies. As BNP positions itself for a potential return to power, many in Bangladesh argue that India should be more proactive in engaging with m.
Security Concerns Rise in Bangladesh
In addition to political uncertainty, Bangladesh is facing an alarming resurgence of Islamist activity. In the wake of Hasina’s ouster, re have been reports of increased attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, and vandalism of Sufi shrines. Islamist hardliners, emboldened by a lack of security, have targeted shrines and tombs, which they deem un-Islamic.
Interim administration has struggled to contain the threats, with nine Islamist militants escaping during a recent jailbreak, four of whom have since been recaptured. Notably, Jashimuddin Rahmani, leader of Ansarullah Bangla Team, a terrorist organization banned by Hasina’s government, was released from prison last month. This growing instability is a serious concern for India, which has long viewed the presence of Islamist militants in Bangladesh as a security threat.
India’s Watchful Waiting
For now, India is carefully monitoring developments in Bangladesh. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Yunus over the phone, re have been no high-level meetings since Hasina’s departure. Indian officials have adopted a wait-and-watch approach, balancing the need to maintain regional stability with the delicate political situation in Dhaka.
The future of India-Bangladesh relations remains uncertain. With Sheikh Hasina still in India and tensions rising in Bangladesh, the two countries face significant challenges in maintaining the strong ties once shared. How India handles its relationship with both the interim government and the opposition will be key to determining the direction of future diplomatic engagement.
