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OPINION AUGUST 16, 2024 | The Indian Eye 12

reassessment could involve exploring
new avenues for economic coopera-
tion, expanding trade ties, and seek-
ing collaborative efforts in technolo-
gy and innovation with India.
Strategic Challenges in
Bangladesh-India Relations
angladesh and India share a
long and complex history, with
Ba border spanning nearly 4,096
kilometers, about half of which lies
adjacent to India’s northeastern re-
gion—a zone historically impacted by
insurgency. Sheikh Hasina’s coopera-
tion with India played a pivotal role in
stabilizing this area, earning substan-
tial goodwill from India through her
government’s efforts to curb insur-
gency activities.
Nevertheless, the interim gov-
ernment now faces the challenge of
redefining this relationship amidst
shifting public sentiments in Ban-
gladesh, which increasingly favor a
more balanced approach in foreign Should the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) come into power, particularly given the student protests against Sheikh Hasina, the trajectory of
relations. Despite strong historical relations with India remains to be seen though the BNP has historically advocated good relations with regional neighbors (File photo)
ties, these changing perceptions ne-
cessitate careful navigation to main- the political unrest that precipitated The interim government will too marked a period of stability and
tain strategic cooperation with India.
Hasina’s ouster. To address these need to do this delicate balancing act, growth, the interim government
economic challenges, the interim leveraging relationships with both In- must adapt to evolving domestic and
In addition to this, the inter- government must undertake reforms dia and China to optimize economic international contexts. Balancing re-

im government must address to attract foreign investment and and strategic benefits. It is imperative lations with major powers, address-
seek international assistance, having for the interim government to sustain ing public discontent, and ensuring
the complex issue of minority already initiated dialogues with in- these partnerships while ensuring political stability will be crucial in
rights, as nearly 10% of Ban- ternational financial institutions and transparency and accountability es- shaping Bangladesh’s future foreign
policy direction. Moreover, restor-
pecially in project implementation.
potential investors to diversify the
gladesh’s population compris- economy and reduce reliance on the As Bangladesh approaches its ing democracy and conducting free
es minorities. The country’s garment sector. upcoming elections, the interim gov- and fair elections are vital steps to-
At the same time, political in- ernment will have to manage the ward political legitimacy. Should the
history of targeting minorities stability remains a pressing concern, geopolitical implications of these Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
during political instability rais- fueled by student-led protests and elections, which are likely to be high- come into power, particularly given
public discontent reminiscent of the
the student protests against Sheikh
ly contested and will likely see the
es concerns that radical ele- 1990 movements that led to signif- opposition gaining momentum and Hasina, the trajectory of relations
ments within the Bangladesh icant political change, emphasizing increasing chances of electoral suc- with India remains to be seen though
the power of public mobilization in cess. the BNP has historically advocated
Army and opposition parties Bangladesh. There have been calls This potential shift in power dy- good relations with regional neigh-
could exploit these tensions, for credible investigations into al- namics could impact Bangladesh’s bors.
leged state-sponsored killings during foreign policy trajectory, particularly Ultimately, the interim govern-
potentially affecting bilateral recent protests, underscoring the concerning its relations with India ment’s ability to manage these chal-
relations with India. Such de- government’s commitment to trans- and China. Therefore, ensuring a lenges and opportunities will deter-
parency and accountability. Effective fair and transparent electoral process mine Bangladesh’s trajectory in the
velopments would inevitably management of public protests and is essential for upholding democratic coming months and years, influenc-
compel India, as Bangladesh’s political stability is crucial for the in- values and maintaining international ing its role in the regional and global
terim government to gain legitimacy
credibility.
arenas. Ensuring a smooth transition
closest ally, to respond, there- and maintain control. and engaging with all political actors
Furthermore, Bangladesh’s geo-
by potentially complicating the political landscape is shaped by its CONCLUSION will be key to fostering national unity
and international credibility.
bilateral relationship. proximity to major regional play- he interim government in
ers, including India and China. The Bangladesh faces significant Madhushree Dwivedi is a Research
Alongside these challenges is interim government must skillfully Tchallenges in navigating the Intern at Indian Council of World
Bangladesh’s economic turmoil, navigate these dynamics to preserve country’s foreign policy landscape. Affairs, New Delhi. Views expressed are
personal.
exacerbated by the closure of its strategic relevance and safeguard na- Redefining ties with India, address-
garment industry, the country’s pri- tional interests. While Sheikh Hasi- ing economic instability, and manag- This article first appeared in the
mary income source, which has led na maintained close ties with India, ing geopolitical dynamics are critical Viewpoint section of the website (www.
to widespread unemployment and she also cultivated relationships with priorities for the new administration. icwa.in) of Indian Council of World
economic instability—a key factor in China. While Sheikh Hasina’s tenure Affairs, New Delhi, on August 6, 2024

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