Bangladesh in Turmoil: Sheikh Hasina’s Flight to India and the Future of Indo-Bangladesh Relations

Bangladesh in Turmoil: Sheikh Hasina’s Flight to India and the Future of Indo-Bangladesh Relations

Earlier this month, protests erupted across Bangladesh, starting from student demonstrations and quickly evolving into a mass movement. Hundreds of thousands of people called for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal and a return to democracy. Her government responded with violence, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

Hasina’s Escape to India

As the situation escalated, on August 5, protesters stormed Hasina’s residence, prompting her to hastily flee the country. She boarded a helicopter without informing her political aides or senior ministers and has been residing in India since. Her departure was celebrated in Bangladesh but seen as a disaster for India.

The India-Bangladesh Relationship Under Hasina

India’s Role as a Key Ally

India has been one of Sheikh Hasina’s closest allies, offering her refuge after her father’s assassination in 1975. During her time in power, Hasina maintained strong ties with Indian political parties, strengthening Bangladesh’s relationship with India and keeping it distanced from China.

Economic and Security Cooperation

Under Hasina, Bangladesh granted India economic and security advantages, including access to important waterways and lucrative business deals. In return, India overlooked her increasingly authoritarian rule, and some accused Indian officials of intervening in Bangladesh’s affairs to support her leadership.

Shifting Relations After Hasina’s Departure

Calls for a New Approach

With Hasina’s regime collapsed and an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now in place, analysts have called for India to rethink its approach. Shafqat Munir from the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies has emphasized the need for a reset in relations, recognizing the democratic movement in Bangladesh.

Pressure to Extradite Hasina

A key issue is the ongoing presence of Hasina in India. Bangladesh has revoked her diplomatic passport, and political opponents demand her extradition to face charges for her alleged role in crimes during the recent protests. India faces growing pressure to hand her over.

India’s Response to the Changing Political Landscape

Criticism of India’s Handling

India’s response to Hasina’s downfall has drawn criticism. Analysts like Ali Riaz argue that India’s reliance on Hasina left it unprepared for her regime’s collapse. The Modi government has expressed concern over instability but has not strongly supported democratic reforms, leading to criticism from Bangladeshi commentators focused on reclaiming democracy.