Rokan's Journal

Introduction

Bangladesh, a nation born out of a bloody struggle for independence in 1971, has once again found itself at the crossroads of history. In 2024, the country achieved a new form of independence following a fierce student-people movement that overthrew the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina. Her rule, marked by accusations of tyranny, extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, and severe repression, came to an end as she fled to India on August 5, 2024. The legacy of Sheikh Hasina and her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was also ousted and killed in a military coup in 1975 for his autocratic tendencies, has left a deep impact on the political landscape of Bangladesh.

This article delves into the complex relationship between Bangladesh and India, the rise and fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, and the enduring struggle of the Bangladeshi people to protect their sovereignty and national interests in the face of external interference and internal autocracy.

The Rise and Fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Regime

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, rose to power in the 1990s, initially seen as a leader who could bring stability and progress to Bangladesh. However, over the years, her leadership increasingly mirrored the autocratic tendencies of her father. Her government became synonymous with suppression, human rights violations, and a disregard for democratic principles. Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the stifling of political dissent became hallmarks of her rule.

One of the most controversial aspects of Sheikh Hasina’s leadership was her close alliance with India. Many in Bangladesh viewed this relationship as compromising the country’s sovereignty, as numerous bilateral agreements were signed that favored India’s interests at the expense of Bangladesh’s welfare. This perception of India as a hegemonic power, manipulating Bangladesh’s internal affairs to serve its own agenda, fueled widespread resentment among the Bangladeshi populace.

The breaking point came in 2024 when a massive student-people movement erupted across the country, demanding an end to Hasina’s rule. The movement, fueled by years of frustration and anger, culminated in her fleeing the country to seek refuge in India, leaving behind a nation grappling with the scars of her regime.

India’s Role in Bangladesh’s Internal Affairs

India has long been a significant player in Bangladesh’s political landscape, dating back to the latter’s independence struggle in 1971. While India played a crucial role in helping Bangladesh achieve independence, its subsequent involvement in the country’s internal affairs has often been viewed with suspicion and resentment.

Under Sheikh Hasina’s government, India solidified its influence over Bangladesh through a series of bilateral agreements, many of which were criticized for disproportionately benefiting India. These agreements, often perceived as one-sided, included water-sharing treaties, trade deals, and security pacts that seemingly compromised Bangladesh’s national interests.

The Bangladeshi people’s growing dissatisfaction with India’s influence was exacerbated by India’s support for Hasina’s autocratic regime. Despite the widespread allegations of human rights abuses and authoritarianism, India continued to back Hasina, seeing her as a reliable ally who could further its strategic interests in the region. This support persisted even after her fall from power, with India providing her safe shelter and engaging in propaganda efforts to destabilize Bangladesh’s new government.

The Rise of Anti-Indian Sentiment in Bangladesh

The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s relationship with India. The widespread perception that Hasina had served as a puppet for Indian interests, rather than prioritizing the welfare of her own people, fueled a wave of anti-Indian sentiment across the country. The Bangladeshi people, who had once embraced India as a friend and ally, began to view it as a hegemonic power with a hidden agenda.

This sentiment was further fueled by India’s continued interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Following Hasina’s ousting, India was accused of trying to stage a counter-revolution, using its resources and influence to install a puppet government that would continue to serve its interests. This perceived attempt to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty only deepened the resentment felt by the Bangladeshi people.

The historical context of India’s relationship with Bangladesh also played a significant role in shaping this sentiment. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority country, has long felt a sense of cultural and religious difference from its Hindu-majority neighbor. While the two nations share a common history, the growing perception of India’s hegemony and its perceived hostility towards Bangladesh’s Muslim identity have created a sense of alienation and distrust.

The Call for Sovereignty and Non-Interference

In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s departure, the Bangladeshi people have made it clear that they seek a new era of sovereignty and self-determination. The call for “friendship to all, enmity to none” has been reiterated, reflecting Bangladesh’s desire to build peaceful and mutually respectful relationships with all nations, including India. However, this can only be achieved if India respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and refrains from interfering in its internal affairs.

For Bangladesh to truly move forward, it must establish a government that prioritizes the interests of its people over external pressures. This requires a commitment to upholding democratic principles, protecting human rights, and fostering a sense of national unity. It also demands that Bangladesh renegotiate its relationship with India, ensuring that future bilateral agreements are fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial.

India, for its part, must recognize the importance of respecting international norms and avoiding a hegemonic attitude towards its neighbors. As a regional power, India has a responsibility to foster stability and cooperation in South Asia. This can only be achieved by treating its neighbors as equals, respecting their sovereignty, and engaging in diplomacy based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Conclusion

The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh marks a new chapter in the country’s history, one that offers an opportunity to reclaim its sovereignty and chart a path towards a more democratic and inclusive future. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime has highlighted the dangers of autocracy and external interference, serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting national interests and upholding the principles of self-determination.

As Bangladesh moves forward, it is crucial that the nation remains vigilant in safeguarding its independence, both from internal autocracy and external hegemony. By fostering a sense of national unity and building relationships based on mutual respect, Bangladesh can ensure that its hard-won sovereignty is preserved for future generations.