India needs to seriously chill

মাসকাওয়াথ আহসান

November 2024

Current Affairs

The cyclical nature of political abuse and retribution in Bangladesh has once again come into sharp focus following the fall of the Awami League’s government on August 5th. For decades, the country’s ruling parties — predominantly the Awami League and the BNP — have faced accusations of exploiting ordinary citizens while in power. This exploitation often prompts public backlash once these parties are ousted.
Recent incidents have highlighted this dynamic. As the Awami League lost its grip on power, its leaders and grassroots workers reportedly became targets of anger and revenge from segments of the population. The situation has been further complicated by the role of Hindu leaders and workers. As most of them have traditionally supported and/or worked for the Awami League, some incidents of retribution against these individuals have been reported because of their ties to the ousted Awami League. But the Indian media is continuously trying to frame the issue as widespread violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, and this propaganda is fuelling communal tensions in Bangladesh.
The longstanding bond between Bangladesh’s Hindu and Muslim communities has largely staved off attempts to provoke unrest. Still, India’s vested interest in Bangladesh’s political landscape has become increasingly evident. New Delhi has traditionally supported the Awami League, seen as a reliable ally that facilitates India’s strategic goals, particularly in the northeastern region.
The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government has led to visible anxiety in Indian political and media circles, with credible accusations of propaganda against Bangladesh’s interim administration. India’s discomfort stems from the loss of its perceived influence in Dhaka. To move forward, India would be well-advised to recalibrate its approach and foster a relationship with the new leadership built on mutual respect and genuine partnership, rather than interventionist tendencies.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, faces the challenge of healing internal divisions while safeguarding its sovereignty in the face of external pressures. As the country’s political landscape shifts, the focus must remain on unity and equitable governance to prevent history from repeating itself.