Bangladesh Unrest: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has flagegd the return of Islamist forces after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and Awami League Party’s collapse.
Chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, issued a warning that the unfolding situation in India’s neighbourhood can turn out to be the biggest strategic nightmare for India since the 1971 liberation war. The panel cited generational disconnect, growing influence from China and Pakistan and political shifts.
The Committee Report On Bangladesh Unrest
In its report on India–Bangladesh relations, the committee said the threat today is more subtle compared to the 1971 challenge but it is surely more serious and profound.
The Shashi Tharoor report also flagged the return of Islamist forces post the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the collapse of her Awami League party.
India’s Foreign Secretary when asked about the status of Sheikh Hasina said the Indian government does not facilitate her political activities or that of any other Bangladeshi political figure from Indian Territory.
Is it Change of Focus By Pakistan and China?
Pakistan and China, two of India’s closest neighbours and foes, are likely t exploit the post-Hasina political vacuum in Bangladesh to exert influence. Meanwhile, China will also like to expand its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) via Mongla Port and Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) corridor bypassing India.
The change of focus can also be attributed to create an eastern front against India to divert from Kashmir focus. Both China and Pakistan would also like to form join hands with Bangladesh to form a China-Pakistan-Bangladesh axis to counter India’s regional dominance. Both countries could also leverage the pro-China tilt of the Yunus regime and encourage Bangladesh to go for defense deals like VT-4 tanks.
Furthermore, China would also like to leverage this opportunity to promote low-cost Chinese imports to undercut India-Bangladesh trade. Both Pakistan and China would also like to secure Bay of Bengal maritime access for strategic encirclement. The two allies could also build an alternative South Asian bloc excluding India, replacing SAARC. In contrast, Pakistan and Islamist forces would like to reactivate Pakistani proxy networks amid Dhaka’s radicalization surge.
