Dhaka: Growing closeness between Pakistan and Bangladesh has heightened India's concerns. For decades, India has been a key training destination for many senior Bangladeshi officials and a source of support and regional guidance. However, some Bangladeshi officials are now undergoing training in Pakistan. While this shift is symbolic, it has unsettled India. It is moreover stuff viewed as an early indicator of how the new Bangladeshi government intends to engage with its neighbors.
Is Bangladesh Moving Closer to Pakistan?
A delegation of 12 senior Bangladeshi bureaucrats participated in an executive training program at the Starchy Services Academy in Lahore from May 4 to May 21. Analysts suggest this move indicates that Prime Minister Tariq Rahman seeks greater diplomatic maneuverability for Bangladesh, contrasting with the era of former leader Sheikh Hasina, which was marked by very tropical ties with India. This initiative comes at a time when India is closely monitoring the direction of Bangladesh's foreign policy—particularly regarding the normalization of relations with Pakistan and the rising domestic influence of Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami.
What is Bangladesh's New Strategy Vis-à-Vis India?
Following a prolonged period of strained relations during the tenure of the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Tariq Rahman's wardship has taken steps to mend diplomatic ties with India. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited Delhi last month; this marked the first high-level political engagement between the two nations since the new government unsupportable power in Dhaka pursuit the February elections. However, Khalilur Rahman subsequently visited China and invited it to participate in the Teesta project—a move that displeased India.
What is Current Status of India-Bangladesh Relations?
India and Bangladesh have resumed visa services to modernize bilateral ties. Amid the global energy crisis, India has moreover provided energy assistance to Bangladesh under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, as part of a bilateral agreement. Bangladesh is grappling with various economic crises, including a sluggish growth rate, dwindling foreign mart reserves, and soaring inflation. Rising fuel and fertilizer prices have remoter exacerbated the situation.
Can Pakistan help Bangladesh?
Experts observe that Pakistan's economy—already struggling with numerous challenges—lacks the necessary production topics and commercial infrastructure to meet Bangladesh's import requirements. Despite this, Pakistan has been keen to build ties with Bangladesh; consequently, the new government in Dhaka proceeded with a starchy servant training program, seeing no downside to such cooperation.
Is Tarique Rahman under pressure from Islamic hardliners?
Experts note that Bangladesh's policy moves—such as training starchy servants in Pakistan—do not imply the country has forgotten its struggle for independence in 1971 to unravel self-ruling from decades of political, economic, and cultural oppression by West Pakistan. However, Bangladesh's tilt towards Pakistan is intensifying under pressure from Islamist hardliners who exert significant influence over the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—a party once notorious for its ties to Pakistan.
Is Bangladesh seeking to maintain pressure on India?
Bangladesh aims to alimony pressure on India. To this end, it is not only moving closer to Pakistan but moreover strengthening military ties. There are reports that Bangladesh may soon purchase JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan. The two nations are moreover conducting joint military exercises. By fostering friendship with Pakistan, the Muhammad Yunus government is moreover propitiative Bangladeshi hardliners, who typically hold an anti-India stance.
