Bangladesh India Unreast

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India-Bangladesh relations, once marked by mutual cooperation and diplomatic warmth, are now strained due to multiple crises, including the political fallout from Sheikh Hasina's ousting, severe floods in Bangladesh, and issues surrounding Indian visa services.

Political Turmoil and Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Demands

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was forced out of power in August following mass protests led by opposition parties. Hasina fled to India, where she was reportedly received by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. She is believed to be residing in the vicinity of New Delhi.

Bangladesh’s opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party, have intensified demands for Hasina’s extradition to face charges related to alleged human rights abuses during her 15-year rule. These include accusations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, with the paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) sanctioned by the UN for such violations.

Legal proceedings against Hasina remain uncertain, especially after the interim government under Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus revoked her diplomatic visa. The Indian government has yet to comment on her legal status or possible extradition.

Flood Crisis Sparks Accusations

In August, heavy monsoon rains triggered devastating floods across Bangladesh, affecting over one million people and displacing nearly 190,000. Eleven districts were severely impacted, cutting off entire communities from vital supplies and services.

Amid the crisis, rumors circulated on social media accusing India of deliberately releasing water from the Dumbur Dam in India’s Tripura state, causing floods downstream in Bangladesh's Gumti River. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs denied these allegations, attributing the floods to excessive rainfall and automatic dam water releases.

Bangladeshi officials criticized India for failing to issue advance warnings about water releases, a step that could have mitigated the disaster’s impact. Tensions over water-sharing agreements persist, with longstanding disputes over access to the 54 transboundary rivers between the two countries.

Visa Restrictions and Border Concerns

Adding to the strain, India temporarily closed its visa application centers in Dhaka and Sathkira after protests erupted over delayed visa processing. The closures left thousands of Bangladeshi citizens, many seeking medical treatment or tourism opportunities in India, in limbo.

India cited security concerns linked to Hasina’s ousting as the reason for reducing its diplomatic presence in Bangladesh. In 2023 alone, about 1.6 million Bangladeshis visited India, making it a crucial destination for medical, business, and religious travel.

Historical Ties and Current Challenges

India and Bangladesh have historically shared close ties, with India playing a key role in Bangladesh’s 1971 independence from Pakistan. In recent years, India has viewed Hasina's secular Awami League as a strategic ally. However, India’s perceived support for Hasina amid accusations of electoral manipulation and human rights abuses has fueled resentment among Bangladeshis.

Incidents of communal violence against Hindus in Bangladesh following Hasina's resignation prompted India to raise concerns internationally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the matter with US President Joe Biden, underscoring India’s worries about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Despite assurances from Bangladesh's interim government, India’s diplomatic strategy toward its neighbor may require recalibration. Political analysts suggest that India must acknowledge the changed political landscape and seek to rebuild trust through open dialogue, water-sharing agreements, and improved bilateral cooperation.

As Bangladesh navigates its post-Hasina era, the path forward depends on resolving these interconnected issues to restore stability and strengthen one of South Asia's most significant bilateral relationships.

India-Bangladesh Relations Face Strain Amid Political Upheaval, Floods, and Visa Issues

a flooded area with a tree in the middle of it

India-Bangladesh relations are currently under significant strain due to a confluence of challenges, including political upheaval, devastating floods, and ongoing visa issues. The political landscape in Bangladesh has been tumultuous, leading to tensions that complicate diplomatic interactions. Concurrently, the recent floods have exacerbated humanitarian crises, putting additional pressure on both nations to manage the fallout and support affected populations. Furthermore, visa-related complications have hindered movement between the two countries, impacting trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections. As both nations navigate these issues, the need for constructive dialogue and cooperation is more important than ever to ensure stability and foster positive relations in the region.