Recent demonstrations targeting Indian diplomatic facilities in Bangladesh, most notably the High Commission in Dhaka, have raised significant concerns about the future of a vital bilateral partnership. These events, occurring less than two months before Bangladesh's general elections, signal a troubling politicization of a relationship recently hailed as one of India's foremost successes in the region.
Escalating Tensions and Political Rhetoric
The protests, organized by groups like "July Oikya", have featured demands for the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The situation was further inflamed by the anti-India rhetoric of National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah, who threatened to provide shelter and support to separatist elements from India's northeastern states. In response, India summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to formally lodge its concerns. Analysts note that, with hindsight, India may have underestimated the widespread support for the recent student-led uprising and the depth of public anger directed at Sheikh Hasina's government.
The Risks of Polarization and Political Missteps
The fallout from the protests has been exacerbated by factions on both sides of the border invoking historical social and communal divisions. In an era dominated by 24/7 news cycles and viral WhatsApp forwards, such irresponsible rhetoric inevitably poisons the atmosphere between the neighbors. Domestically, Bangladesh's interim government has done little to bridge the deep political chasm. Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina's son, highlighted in an interview that the Awami League has been a central political force since the country's founding, and barring it from contesting casts a long shadow over the electoral process. By excluding the party, the interim administration risks repeating the very mistakes it criticizes.
The Imperative to Protect a Strategic Partnership
Despite the current friction, the fundamental realities binding the two nations remain immutable. Geography, shared history, culture, and intertwined economies cannot be ignored. The partnership has yielded concrete benefits across a 4,096-km shared border, including strides in trade, counter-insurgency cooperation, river water sharing, and border management. Moving forward, India must communicate to the people of Bangladesh, beyond just the government, that the bilateral relationship is between two societies, transcending whichever party holds power. Delhi must scrupulously avoid taking sides in Dhaka's domestic politics, while Bangladesh's political class must demonstrate greater maturity ahead of the polls.
The long-term interests of both nations are best served by insulating this critical relationship from the volatility of short-term politics. Rebuilding trust and focusing on the substantial shared gains is the only prudent path forward for Delhi and Dhaka.
