04 February 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. The Spirit of 1971

(Source – Indian Express, Section – The Editorial Page – Page No. – 12)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, was unexpectedly removed from power six months ago in a political upheaval that caught the government and intelligence agencies off guard. The article analyzes the political upheaval in Bangladesh following this ouster, its regional implications, and India’s strategic response.

Analysis of the news:

A Shock to the System: Intelligence Failures and Political Upheaval

• As Bangladesh marks six months since the unprecedented removal of Sheikh Hasina, the country’s longest-serving premier, the event continues to reverberate across the political landscape.
• The government appeared blindsided by the shift in power, with intelligence agencies failing to predict, let alone comprehend, the undercurrents leading to this moment.
• Hasina now resides in India, a move New Delhi has acknowledged with cautious diplomacy.
• However, engaging effectively with the evolving dynamics in Dhaka requires a deep understanding of its historical and political trajectory.

The Yunus Regime and Its Challenges

• Muhammad Yunus’s administration, now calling for Hasina’s extradition, has not only reshaped Bangladesh’s internal power structures but also altered regional diplomatic relations.
• Beyond bilateral ties, the political instability in Bangladesh has implications for India, particularly concerning migration, communal tensions, and security in the Northeast.
• The domestic discourse in India around “illegal immigrants” (often referring to Bangladeshis) risks inflaming social divisions, while unrest in Bangladesh directly affects states like Manipur, which is already grappling with ethnic strife.
• The rising violence against Bangladeshi Hindus is another pressing concern, yet the root cause of the crisis lies in both Hasina’s “authoritarian and arrogant” leadership style and Yunus’s apparent inability to restore stability.
• Consequently, extremist elements have seized the opportunity to expand their influence, exacerbating communal discord.

Bangladesh’s Unique Historical Identity and Its India Connection

• Bangladesh’s historical evolution is crucial to understanding its current political dynamics.
• Unlike many Islamic nations, Bangladesh’s formation was driven more by linguistic and cultural identity than religion.
• East Pakistan’s separation from West Pakistan was a result of long-standing grievances, including economic exploitation and cultural suppression, notably the imposition of Urdu over Bengali.
• The 1971 Liberation War was a fight for self-determination, fueled by oppression and the Pakistani military’s brutal Operation Searchlight.
• India’s intervention, under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, was decisive in securing Bangladesh’s independence.
• This shared history continues to shape the relationship between the two nations.

A Border that Blurs Lines: Cultural and Historical Ties

• The deep-rooted connections between West Bengal and Bangladesh have resulted in a border that has remained historically porous.
• Cross-border movement has been common since 1947, reflecting the cultural and familial ties that transcend political boundaries.
• The 1971 war was not about religious divisions but about resisting the dominance of West Pakistan.
• The war’s legacy remains a defining factor in India-Bangladesh relations.

India-Bangladesh Relations: A History of Cooperation and Discord

• While the warmth following Bangladesh’s independence gradually cooled, key agreements such as the Tin Bigha Corridor and the Ganga River water-sharing treaty highlighted moments of cooperation.
• Despite political fluctuations, India has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s development, evident in economic and infrastructural collaborations.
• The author recalls visiting Bangladesh as part of an Indian delegation, underscoring the enduring people-to-people ties.
• Instances like President Pranab Mukherjee’s warm reception in Bangladesh reflect the deep-seated affinity between the two nations.

Economic and Security Cooperation: Strengthening Strategic Ties

• Despite recent turmoil, Bangladesh remains India’s largest trading partner in the region.
• Cooperation in energy and infrastructure has significantly strengthened ties, with thousands of Bangladeshis traveling to India for medical and tourism purposes.
• Security collaboration has also been vital, particularly in countering extremism and cross-border crime.
• However, the current instability threatens these gains, making diplomatic engagement more critical than ever.

The Road Ahead: Diplomacy and Strategic Patience

• Moving forward, India must adopt a balanced approach—firm in its stance on Sheikh Hasina’s legacy but also strategic in allowing internal contradictions within the Yunus regime to unfold naturally.
• While the Awami League has traditionally been seen as “pro-India,” this should not lead to defensive posturing.
• On the ground, the Bangladeshi populace remains largely “pro-India,” a sentiment that should guide diplomatic efforts.
• India must unequivocally condemn attacks on minorities while reinforcing its neutral stance—India supports democracy, due process, and the will of the Bangladeshi people.

Conclusion:

• The spirit of the 1971 Liberation War continues to define India-Bangladesh relations.
• The events of August 5 must not be allowed to overshadow this foundational relationship.
• Stability in Bangladesh is in the national interest of both countries, and navigating the current crisis will require patience, strategic diplomacy, and a steadfast commitment to shared democratic values.

What challenges has the exit of Sheikh Hasina created in the India-Bangladesh Relations?

1. Attacks on minorities across both the borders- The ethnic attacks on Bangla-speaking Hindus in Bangladesh and the attacks on Bangladeshi’s in India have strained the India-Bangladesh relations.   2. Resurfacing of security challenges- The are risks of emergence of security challenges by the anti-India groups as encountered during the earlier BNP-Jamaat years. With the continuing tensions on the border with Pakistan, Indian Army’s long standoff with the PLA in eastern Ladakh, has created a security-nightmare for India.   3. Threat to India’s connectivity with the North-east- A further deterioration in Indo-Bangladesh has restricted India’s access to the Northeast. This region’s connection to mainland India will only remain through the narrow “Chicken’s Neck”. With the Myanmar border remaining extremely volatile, the source of unrest in India’s Northeast will increase.   4. Jeopardized the Bilateral trade and FTA- Sheikh Hasina’s exit has jeopardized the growing bilateral trade ties between India and Bangladesh. There has also been stagnation of talks in the potential free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.   5. Deterioration of people-people ties- There are real risk of blowback from the Bangladeshi people and the new power centres in Dhaka- some of whom will carry past grudges against India.   6. Geopolitical challenges- Pakistan and China will see the political change in Bangladesh as an opportunity to challenge India’s presence in the country and try to tar it with a pro-Hasina brush.

PYQ: With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (2017) The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3   Ans: (b)

Practice Question:  Analyze the political implications of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in Bangladesh, its impact on regional stability, and the strategic challenges it presents for India. How should India navigate its diplomatic engagement with the new regime? (250 Words /15 marks)

For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out – 03 February 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis