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OPINION AUGUST 16, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

NAVIGATING TRANSITION

Bangladesh’s Interim

Government and its Foreign

Policy Challenges

The interim government now faces the challenge of redefining this relationship amidst shifting public sentiments in
Bangladesh, which increasingly favor a more balanced approach in foreign relations. Despite strong historical ties,

these changing perceptions necessitate careful navigation to maintain strategic cooperation with India

MADHU SHREE DWIVEDI

he ousting of Sheikh Hasina
from power on August 5, 2024,
Thas marked a significant turn-
ing point in Bangladesh’s political
landscape.
After 15 years of leadership, her
resignation has led to the establish-
ment of an interim government and
the situation is evolving. This tran-
sition, being driven by domestic tur-
moil and also economic challenges,
has ushered in a new era for Bangla-
desh’s foreign policy.

This article delves into the
challenges facing the inter-

im government in navigating
Bangladesh’s foreign relations,
focusing on its key objectives:
redefining ties with India, ad-

dressing economic instability,
and managing geopolitical dy-
namics in the region.

While Sheikh Hasina maintained close ties with India, she also cultivated relationships with China. The interim government will also need to do
Redefining Ties with India this delicate balancing act, leveraging relationships with both India and China (File photo)
heikh Hasina’s tenure was
marked by a strong bilateral facilitated significant infrastructural stability and combating insurgent ac- tions of the Bangladeshi people. The
Srelationship with India, which developments, trade enhancements, tivities, particularly in the northeast- interim government may seek to di-
played a pivotal role in shaping Ban- and energy cooperation, contributing ern regions bordering India. versify its foreign relations, ensuring
gladesh’s foreign policy. India was to the economic prosperity of Bangla- With the new interim govern- a more balanced approach that re-
Hasina’s “biggest ally,” supporting desh. Additionally, India’s support in ment in place, there is an opportunity flects the growing sentiment among
Bangladesh’s economic growth and security matters, including sharing in- to reassess this partnership, consid- Bangladeshis for enhanced engage-
stability while assisting in counterin- telligence and training security forc- ering both the changing geopolitical ment with other global powers. This
surgency operations. This partnership es, helped in maintaining regional landscape and the evolving aspira- Continued on next page... >>

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