Bangladesh in Disturbance:
Civil unrest engulfs country, forces Sheikh Hasina to step down. Bangladesh had experienced extreme civil unrest for a whole month when the protesting students raised their voices against the quota system in government jobs. The rally led to such widespread violence that then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to step down from her office. The situation has transformed into a full-blown political crisis, and Bangladesh is in a state of limbo.
Sheikh Hasina Flees to India After ResignationAfter resignation, Sheikha Hasina managed to escape Dhaka and landed in India on a military aircraft. There had been reports that Hasina would try to take her asylum in the United Kingdom, but British authorities made it clear that they do have no asylum policies that will allow her entry.
Md Yunus Heads Caretaker Government and Calls for Parallel Treaties with IndiaNobel laureate Md Yunus has assumed Bangladesh’s interim government, referring to himself as “Chief Advisor” and not prime minister. In his first national address, he said Bangladesh needed strong relations with India and emphasized the fact that this relationship should be based on justice and equality.
India’s Position on Bangladesh CrisisIndia is keen on regional stability and has remarked that the internal political affairs of Bangladesh are an “internal matter.” However, India made a commitment to the preservation of its old relationship with Bangladesh. While speaking during his visit to Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said commercial and people-to-people relations between the two nations are important and that the country hopes for continued stability despite its own domestic turbulence.
Bangladesh’s politics took a sharp turn last month in the face of increasing protests against the quota system in government jobs. With violent unrest forcing the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India after escaping from Dhaka, the situation has captured the world’s attention as Nobel laureate Md Yunus assumes command of an interim government meant to stabilize the country.
Hasina’s fate has not been clear, but the Indians have assured her protection and time to decide about her future. In this regard, Md Yunus intends to develop a more democratic image of Bangladesh while keeping in perfect balance the relation with India.
India has taken a cautious diplomatic approach by aligning its approach with the phrase used by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in an interview to the news channel Times Now. Its focus remains on stabilising bilateral relations, he said. Bangladesh, for its part, is yet to see the crisis fully develop with Dhaka’s interim government struggling to find its footing.
