India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently visited Bangladesh during a period of strained relations, carrying not a message of goodwill but a list of grievances. The visit underscored India’s growing frustration and anger over the rising incidents of violence against Hindus under Bangladesh’s current regime. The situation has highlighted the fragility of bilateral ties and the urgent need for recalibration.
In recent weeks, violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has escalated, with several attacks on temples and religious sites. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Indian Parliament that the government had “taken serious note” of these incidents, which included attacks on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and thefts at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024. These acts of aggression have sparked outrage in India, culminating in protests near the Bangladesh border in West Bengal and an attack on the Bangladeshi consulate in Tripura.
Adding fuel to the fire was the arrest of a Hindu monk, recently expelled from the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), on charges of sedition. This incident further angered Hindu communities in India, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations.
To attribute these incidents solely to recent political developments in Bangladesh would be an oversimplification. The roots of this unrest lie in a complex and bloody history of persecution faced by the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Anti-India sentiment has long simmered among the Bangladeshi populace, particularly among the younger generation. Many view India as an “overbearing neighbour,” and there is widespread belief that the recently ousted government under Sheikh Hasina maintained an “unequal relationship” with India.
This sentiment has only intensified under the interim government led by Dr. Mohammed Yunus. India’s perceived overreliance on Sheikh Hasina during her tenure has left the new regime viewing India as an unreliable ally. Moreover, India’s domestic policies under a pro-Hindu government have exacerbated the alienation of Bangladeshi Muslims, further straining ties.
Critics argue that India’s unyielding support for Sheikh Hasina alienated other stakeholders in Bangladesh. When Hasina was ousted and sought asylum in India, it was initially deemed a temporary measure. However, her extended stay has raised questions about India’s intentions. While granting her refuge was seen as “an honourable thing,” critics point out that India has not engaged with Bangladeshi stakeholders to facilitate her extradition. This lack of action has led to accusations of India using its flexible refugee policy as a “convenient route” to keep Hasina on Indian soil indefinitely.
Compounding the issue is Hasina’s vocal criticism of the current Bangladeshi regime from Indian territory. In a recent virtual address ahead of Misri’s visit, Hasina labeled the Yunus government as “fascist” and accused it of enabling terrorist activities. She also raised concerns about the attacks on minorities, mirroring India’s diplomatic stance. However, her remarks have been perceived as politically motivated and damaging to India-Bangladesh relations.
The Indian government’s silence on Hasina’s statements has raised questions. Why is India allowing her to use its platform for political commentary? Why is it not restraining her from worsening an already fragile relationship? This perceived indifference has fueled public anger in Bangladesh, with many attributing the attacks on Hindus not only to religious discrimination but also to frustration over India’s unwavering support for Hasina.
The perception of India as a biased neighbor is further reinforced by its inability to address historical grievances. India’s actions, or lack thereof, have widened the gap between the two nations, undermining decades of historical and cultural ties. The current dispensation in Bangladesh has ample reasons to harbor resentment against India, given the latter’s perceived meddling in its internal affairs.
India’s asylum policy for Hasina is particularly contentious. While her initial request for refuge was for a temporary period, her prolonged stay has led to accusations of favoritism. India’s refusal to visibly engage with the Bangladeshi government on her extradition has only deepened the rift. This situation, coupled with Hasina’s critical remarks against the Yunus regime from Indian soil, has strengthened the perception that India is interfering in Bangladesh’s domestic politics.
The Indian government’s support for Hasina during her tenure as Prime Minister also came at a cost. By prioritizing relations with her government, India neglected other political factions in Bangladesh, thereby alienating potential allies. This imbalance has left India in a precarious position, with its ties to the current regime hanging by a thread.
To mend this fractured relationship, India must adopt a more balanced and inclusive approach. The escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is a symptom of deeper issues that require immediate attention. While it is crucial to address religious discrimination, India must also acknowledge and address the underlying political and historical grievances that fuel anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
The strained relations between India and Bangladesh underscore the complexities of regional diplomacy. As a neighbor, India must recalibrate its policies to ensure a more equitable and mutually beneficial relationship. This includes addressing the concerns of the current Bangladeshi regime, while also safeguarding the rights of minorities.
In conclusion, India’s relationship with Bangladesh is at a crossroads. The escalating violence against Hindus and the growing mistrust between the two nations highlight the urgent need for a reset in bilateral ties. By adopting a more nuanced and inclusive approach, India can work towards rebuilding trust and fostering a stronger partnership with its neighbor. Failure to do so risks pushing the relationship to an all-time low, with far-reaching consequences for regional stability.
