BD unrest linked to resistance against Indian influence

Islamabad:During a discussion, experts linked the current unrest in Bangladesh to high unemployment, administrative issues, and resistance to Indian influence, and highlighted the challenge faced by interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus to develop an effective and indigenous response to the complex situation.

Emphasising that Pakistan and Bangladesh have aligned interests, they urged both countries to work together for mutual benefit. The dialogue on ‘Transition in Bangladesh: Emerging Domestic and Regional Scenario,’ was held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) here with chairman Khalid Rahman in the chair. The panellists included former ambassador Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi as the keynote speaker, and former ambassador Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui. Both have served as Pakistan’s high commissioners to Bangladesh.

Afrasiab noted that after student-led protests against civil service job quotas led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and installation of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus as the head of an interim government, Islamabad had an opportunity to reassess and strengthen its ties with Dhaka. He noted that Bangladesh might have grievances with Pakistan, but there was no deep-seated animosity.

The former ambassador said resistance to Indian influence had been growing in Bangladesh. "Although the situation is still unfolding, it has sparked concerns in India, particularly about the potential resurgence of the Jamaat-i-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party."

Afrasiab said Bangladeshis also feared that India, in view of strategic interests, could employ various tactics to influence the country’s political landscape, particularly to prevent the rise of those groups due to their historical stances and perceived anti-India sentiments. He also said as India, under the BJP and Modi, had been characterised by a radical nationalist agenda, its political direction and approach toward neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, are increasingly being questioned. The other speaker, Rafiuzzaman, stressed the need for and importance of adopting a balanced and watchful approach in response to the emerging situation.