Shifting Alliances: Bangladesh’s Quest For Autonomy And Justice – OpEd

Under the premiership of Sheikh Hasina Wajid, Bangladesh witnessed widespread violence, corruption, nepotism, manipulation of the electoral process, favoritism, and discrimination. Moreover, the Awami League government faced criticism for its authoritarian tendencies, which included suppressing opposition and curbing freedom of expression.

After the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina Wajid on August 5, 2024, due to nationwide protests against the government by students and the public, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus on August 8, 2024. The people of Bangladesh are yearning for a new governance model that prioritizes accountability and dismantles the clientelist practices that have flourished during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. The student protesters calling on the new interim government liberate their state from corruption and nepotism. This newly formed interim government also faces the challenge of formulating its foreign policy and establishing new regional alliances with countries of interest. The current administrations of Bangladesh and Pakistan are eager to strengthen their relationship, focusing on regional cooperation and autonomy while addressing historical grievances within SAARC.

Sheikh Hasina Wajid has been implicated in approximately 170 FIRs concerning significant human rights violations, including murder and genocide, leading to the arrest of several of her close associates. The public in Bangladesh believes that her government was heavily influenced by India, which compromised the nation’s sovereignty. In response to corruption allegations, the interim government has frozen the financial accounts of Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s family, reflecting widespread public discontent regarding her perceived alignment with Indian interests. Following an invitation from the interim government, a fact-finding team from the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) has been conducting an independent investigation into the alleged human rights violations facilitated by Sheikh Hasina Wajid. The people of Bangladesh welcome this investigation as an opportunity to expose the abuses tolerated during her tenure under Indian influence. This sentiment reflects a strong desire among the Bangladeshi populace for justice and the dismantling of the authoritarianism associated with the previous regime.

Furthermore, the recent legislative modification has eliminated laws that provided additional security to the Hasina’s family. Bangladesh masses considered it a bold move toward political reform, criticizing the previous administration for relying on Indian help rather than addressing the public needs. Constitutional reforms are essential to impose ban on political parties involved in widespread human rights violations. Moreover, on October 6, 2024, the inauguration of the Bangladesh Army Selection Board at Army Headquarters by caretaker govt of Muhammad Yunus marks a significant moment of boosting collaboration between the military and the government. However, this event strongly signals the Bangladesh Army’s commitment to assert its autonomy and take decisive steps toward liberating itself from Indian influence, reflecting a renewed sense of national pride and independence. Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of Sheikh Hasina Wajid, is facing serious allegations. He has engaged the services of a U.S. lobbying firm, Stryk Global Diplomacy, to influence American policymakers, including those involved in legislative processes. This strategy reflects an attempt to mitigate the backlash from his actions and to maintain a favorable image abroad.

However, India’s authoritarian stance as a regional power became evident when it expressed regret over Bangladesh’s request for a mutual meeting between the Chief Advisor and Indian Prime Minister Modi during the 79th United Nations General Assembly. This incident reflects India’s reluctance to engage collaboratively with its neighbors, raising concerns about the state of regional diplomacy. India’s authoritarian posture toward neighboring states has compelled Bangladesh to recall its envoy from New Delhi, highlighting the growing frustration with India’s interference in its domestic affairs. This decision signifies a significant diplomatic rift, reflecting broader regional tensions largely attributable to India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), influenced by its Hindutva ideology, conducted a closed-door meeting aimed at strategizing support for the Awami League (AL) in Bangladesh. Such actions attempt to manipulate the political dynamics in Bangladesh, further straining bilateral relations. India appears to struggle with accepting that Bangladesh is distancing itself from its influence. Recently, Bangladesh issued a strong protest against derogatory comments made by the Indian Home Minister regarding Bangladeshi nationals, signaling its commitment to uphold sovereignty against external pressures.

During the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus held a meeting in which Bangladesh reaffirmed its support for the revitalization of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). This meeting is viewed as a positive step towards enhancing regional cooperation in South Asia. Additionally, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Md. Jashim Uddin, is expected to visit Pakistan in the last week of November 2024, further indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties. Moreover, in September 2024, a constructive meeting between the Pakistani High Commissioner and Foreign Secretary Uddin resulted in an agreement to hold an early Foreign Secretary-level meeting, also likely scheduled for late November 2024. To boost trade relations, Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue has eliminated the requirement for 100% physical inspection of goods imported from Pakistan, aiming to facilitate smoother trade operations. Both nations need to put aside their past differences and work towards improving bilateral relations.

Due to Pakistan’s liberal visa policy, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has encouraged its students to pursue educational opportunities in Pakistan. This initiative represents a renewed commitment to fostering people-to-people connections and enhancing bilateral understanding between the two countries. Bangladesh’s support for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), echoed by similar sentiments from Nepal, presents a promising avenue for revitalizing the organization. This cooperative approach reflects a shared vision for regional collaboration and economic integration, paving the way for stronger ties among South Asian nations. The newly formed caretaker government in Bangladesh has a significant opportunity to work diligently on national development while maintaining a balanced foreign policy within SAARC, focusing on cooperation rather than regional grievances.