New Delhi. The world is keeping an eye on the situation of violence and political instability in Bangladesh. Being a neighboring country, India is also facing its direct impact. The central government has also called an all-party meeting today on the latest political situation in Bangladesh and apprised all the parties of the situation there. In this meeting, along with PM Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and all the leaders of opposition parties participated. In such a situation, the question arises that what should India do next? Should India go ahead and play the role of mediator or should it wait for the steps of Western countries? Experts from JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia University’s Academy of International Studies have given their important opinion on this issue.
Professor Mohammad Sohrab, Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia University He says, ‘Look, the situation in Bangladesh is completely internal. Questions were being raised about Sheikh Hasina’s governance for the last several years. Opposition parties were not participating in the elections. Opposition was starting to oppose many policies of the Sheikh Hasina government. Anyway, whatever happens, India also wants peace in Bangladesh. Peace is necessary for the rapid development of Bangladesh. In my opinion, India should stand for the development of Bangladesh without sympathizing with any party or leader. This will be good for India. India has also had good relations with former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. There is no doubt that whatever government is formed in Bangladesh, it will want to maintain good relations with India.’
What will be India’s next step?
Professor Sohrav He says, ‘See, the Sheikh Hasina government did not treat the Rohingya Muslims well. Let me tell you that their relationship with the neighbouring countries, especially Myanmar, and India has never been trustworthy. Sheikh Hasina thought that she would control the situation with the help of the army. But, when the army did not support her, she had to leave the country. The Army Chief is a close relative of Sheikh Hasina. I have received information that he was promoted and made the Army Chief in a very short time. But, now he has turned against the government. The result is in front of you. I think India should play an active role. India should play an aggressive role. India should not set the political narrative in Bangladesh but should help those who set it. In my opinion, whatever government is formed there, relations with India will be good.’
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JNU professor Sanjay K Bhardwaj says, look, corruption has increased in Bangladesh in the last few years. People’s participation was very low in the last two elections. Only 40 percent people were participating in the elections. Opposition parties accused of managing the results. Many irregularities were found in the local elections. Instead of democratic elections, nepotism prevailed. Complaints of nepotism in politics started rising on a large scale. Sheikh Hasina did not pay attention to this. Corrupt people were dominant in employment and educational institutions. All these problems together resulted in a big incident. The situation reached such a point that the Prime Minister was forced to step down.
Should India mediate?
Bhardwaj further says, look, India should keep an eye on the situation in Bangladesh. In my opinion, India will stand in support of the leader or group in Bangladesh who has the support of Western countries. India will hope that peace and stability is established in Bangladesh soon. Because many projects of India worth thousands and lakhs of crores of rupees are going on in Bangladesh. In such a situation, the Indian government should keep a close eye on the situation there and also take steps as per the need.
Overall, India has also become cautious due to the trumpet of change in Bangladesh. The anger of students in Bangladesh toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. In such a situation, it is in the interest of many neighboring countries including India that peace is established soon in Bangladesh and a stable government is formed there. However, the current situation that is developing can prove to be a big threat to democracy.
Tags: Bangladesh news, Foreign Policy, PM Modi in Bangladesh
FIRST PUBLISHED : August 6, 2024, 13:39 IST
