Sheikh Hasina has recently stepped down as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, a position she had held continuously since 2009. Her resignation comes after widespread national protests, which were driven by discontent with the country’s reservation policy.
In a dramatic shift in South Asian politics, Sheikh Hasina, who has long been a key ally of India, has been forced from power amidst nationwide protests and a severe crackdown by her government. Hasina’s resignation marks the end of her tenure as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, a position she held since 2009. Her fall follows a turbulent period characterized by severe unrest over the national reservation policy and allegations of brutal government responses, including the suspension of internet services and violent repression of protesters.
The policy allocated reservations for the descendants of 1971 war veterans, a conflict that led to Bangladesh’s independence. However, this quota was highly unpopular among students, who argued that it disproportionately favored supporters of the Awami League.
The protests were poorly managed by Sheikh Hasina’s government, with her Awami League party and security forces responding with severe measures. Numerous protesters were killed by security forces in Bangladesh, and Hasina also cut off internet services to suppress the demonstrations.
The removal of Hasina, who was often seen as India’s closest geopolitical partner in Bangladesh, represents a significant shift. Her government’s alignment with India had led to ambitious connectivity projects and the resolution of contentious territorial and water-sharing issues. India’s support for Hasina, despite her growing authoritarianism, and its push for reduced international pressure on her government, had further solidified this alliance.
As a result, Hasina has resigned, and the Bangladesh Army is now setting up an interim government, with the Army Chief calling for calm and stability. Reports suggest that Hasina is leaving Bangladesh for India. Her departure is a significant concern for India, which has seen Hasina as its closest geopolitical ally in Asia. The two countries have collaborated on major projects in connectivity and resolved contentious issues, fostering a strong partnership. India’s support for Hasina, despite her authoritarian tendencies, included pushing for reduced international pressure on her government.
However, the political landscape is now fraught with uncertainty. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a historically contentious adversary of India, may rise to power. The BNP’s previous reluctance to tackle militant groups and its alliances with Pakistan and China contrast sharply with Hasina’s pro-India stance. The prospect of a BNP-led government threatens to disrupt ongoing economic projects and shift alliances away from India.
With Hasina gone, India faces uncertainty about her successor. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a potential successor, has a fraught history with India. The BNP’s previous reluctance to address militant groups and its closer ties with Pakistan and China raise concerns. If the BNP gains power, it could disrupt India’s economic projects and shift its alignment towards China. Additionally, India’s backing of Hasina has generated opposition and unpopularity within Bangladesh.
Mukti Bahini’s Legacy
Adding to the complexity is the historical context of Mukti Bahini, whose association with RAW during the 1971 liberation war against West Pakistan has left a lasting imprint. This historical connection is echoed in contemporary political rhetoric, such as PTI leader Imran Khan’s tweet from jail, which calls for an examination of historical grievances, questioning whether General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujib ur Rahman was the true traitor.
Sheikh Hasina, Mujib ur Rahman’s daughter, was notably anti-Pakistan, a stance that PTI capitalized on. PTI supporters have drawn parallels between Imran Khan and Sheikh Mujib ur Rahman, who founded Mukti Bahini with RAW’s assistance in West Pakistan, suggesting a just cause. Imran Khan’s tweet translates to:
Every Pakistani should study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission report and find out who the real traitor was: General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujib ur Rahman. — May 27 this year, PTI’s leader instructed to tweet this from jail
Essentially, the current public unrest is not solely directed at Hasina Wajid’s administration but also at the events of 1971 and the perceived deceit by Mujib ur Rahman and his family’s dynastic rule. The Bengali people have demonstrated a revolutionary spirit against all forms of oppression, whether from external forces or internal sources. It will be intriguing to see how the Bangladeshi military navigates the country’s future. India will be eager to protect its decades of political investment in Bangladesh.
In the wake of Hasina’s fall, the interim government faces the challenge of navigating a period of instability. Student groups who led the protests have expressed rejection of military rule, further complicating the situation. This scenario highlights the intersection of historical legacies, strategic retaliation, and the ongoing struggle for political dominance in Bangladesh.