Bangladesh Is Sitting On A Powder Keg

India-Bangladesh relations have taken a hit since the resignation of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August following widespread protests by student groups. The appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the interim chief advisor of Bangladesh had raised hopes, but the country has seen a surge in violence against minorities instead of progress.

Transparency International’s Bangladesh chapter reported over 2,000 incidents of violence against minorities since Hasina’s departure, leading to concerns raised by the United Nations. India has also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation, as tensions between the two nations escalate.

Immediate Triggers

Recent events, including the arrests of monks and journalists, desecration of the Indian flag at a university, and statements by advisors in the Yunus administration, have further strained relations between India and Bangladesh. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and journalist Munni Saha have sparked outrage and raised questions about the underlying tensions.

Minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, have faced threats and attacks, exacerbated by the interim government’s appeasement of Islamic fundamentalist groups. The situation has drawn comparisons to Afghanistan and Syria, with concerns about the safety of minorities and freedom of expression.

The Yunus administration’s decisions, such as acquitting individuals involved in anti-India activities and reviewing trade agreements with India, have added to the strain on bilateral relations. International reactions to the situation in Bangladesh have varied, with some countries expressing concern over minority rights violations.

World Can’t Be a Mute Spectator

The international community has a role to play in addressing the violations of human rights in Bangladesh, particularly against minorities. While some countries have raised concerns, others have remained silent on the issue. The recent shift in US foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump has given hope for a change in approach towards Bangladesh.

As tensions between India and Bangladesh persist, there have been signs of closer ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, raising concerns about regional stability. The evolving crisis in Bangladesh requires close monitoring and proactive responses to prevent further escalation.

(The author is Contributing Editor, NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author