The results of Bangladesh's election have been announced, sparking a wave of optimism among India's strategic experts and former diplomats. Following 18 months of tense relations, there is renewed hope for a warming of ties between the two nations.
The landslide victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the 13th parliamentary elections is hailed by Indian experts as a promising sign for bilateral relations. Many retired diplomats and strategic experts, including former Foreign Secretary and BJP MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, have welcomed this mandate.
The elections occurred during a period of political vacuum and instability following the end of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule in August 2024, during which minorities faced widespread attacks.
Strategic experts assert that the people of Bangladesh have chosen political stability and democratic values over extremist forces like Jamaat-e-Islami. Shringla stated that BNP's victory is good news for those who advocate stronger ties with Bangladesh, emphasizing that their majority reflects a belief in the 'pro-liberation' spirit and the glorious history of 1971.
Good News for India!
In a media interaction in Parliament, he expressed, "This is excellent news not only for Bangladesh and its people but also for those who believe in fostering good relations with Bangladesh. This validates their sentiments, and for all of us, this is very, very good news. The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interests. It is a pro-liberation party, rooted in the spirit of 1971, unlike Jamaat-e-Islami, which opposed Bangladesh's liberation struggle in 1971."
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He added, "Cooperation with Bangladesh, our closest neighbor, will be beneficial for both sides. This is all good news, and I believe the results confirm the path the Bangladeshi people wish to take their country on." Nevertheless, the former ambassador cautioned that this doesn’t imply the termination of fears concerning communal, extremist, and Islamization elements within the country.
Trust in Minority Protection
Following the elections, statements by Tarique Rahman regarding minority protection and maintaining amicable relations with India are positively viewed in India. Experts suggest that the emergence of a stable, elected government following Mohammed Yunus's interim government will accelerate shared goals of security and development.
Veena Sikri, who served as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2006, noted that the Bangladeshi people have rejected Jamaat-e-Islami. She told PTI that BNP securing a two-thirds majority is further evidence of the Bangladeshi people's support for democratic values.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly congratulated Rahman on his 'decisive victory' in Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, expressing eagerness to work together to advance common developmental goals.
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In another post on X, Modi stated, "Pleasure to speak with Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on his remarkable victory in Bangladesh elections."
Yet, former diplomats have warned that the threat of extremism and Islamization is not entirely eliminated, as Jamaat-e-Islami managed to secure nearly 75 seats, which remains a concern. It is crucial for secular forces to unite in defense of the nation’s core identity.
