From Secular Promises to Islamist Alignments: The Evolution of Bangladesh’s Political Landscape

For days now, Indians have watched with bated breath as the violence in Bangladesh unfolds with the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Concerns run deep about the attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus as well as for the potential hijacking by Islamist groups and a renewed accession to power. Fifty years ago, a poet by the name of Daud Haider was arrested by the then government of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, tortured in custody, and then sent into exile.

Bangladesh on the Brink: Ripple Effects on India’s Strategic Horizon

The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has thrown Bangladesh into a political turmoil, casting a long shadow over the future of Indo-Bangladesh relations. With Hasina currently in India, seeking asylum in countries like the UAE and Finland after her request to the UK was rejected, the future trajectory of Bangladesh—and its impact on India—has come sharply into focus. The ongoing crisis, marked by unprecedented instability, carries significant implications for India’s strategic landscape, particularly in terms of security, economic ties, and geopolitical alliances. India must assess these challenges and develop strategic responses to safeguard its interests.

This is what Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh Looks Like

Bangladesh’s complex history, marked by its struggle for independence from Pakistan in 1971, provides a backdrop to the current turmoil. While the United States played a role during that period, the recent protests are driven by domestic issues such as the quota system, police brutality, and economic challenges. The recent turmoil in the country has been multifaceted, with several factors contributing to the ongoing crisis.