A plot to overthrow the government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh was nipped in the bud. But it shows the risks to which democracy is exposed in countries with bitter memories of military rule. The Bangladesh army rose to the occasion and foiled a coup in which retired and serving army officers were involved. Hizbul Tahrir, an Islamic outfit has been banned. The Awami League government has been cracking the whip against rabid Islamic forces since it took office in 2008. A Constitutional amendment has restored secularism in the country’s Constitution. India has viewed the development with friendly interests. But all is not well with Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Rifles mutinied in 2009. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poses a threat to stability which can allow the army to muscle in. India’s relations with Hasina’s government have been on the upswing especially on trade, transit and the land boundary issue. But water-sharing remains a hurdle as do border firings.
Strengthening ties with Bangladesh can also promote connectivity and development in Northeastern India. Myanmar is thankfully moving towards democracy which is in India’s interest. Bangladesh can serve as a link connecting the Northeast to Southeastern Asian markets. The economic scenario in the region will then brighten significantly and the concept of a South Asian community will gain greater substance if India furthers its relations with Bangladesh. New Delhi has to eradicate differences with Dhaka as far as possible to achieve this goal. The Centre should have the last word in pushing forward the country’s Look East policy, overriding regional hurdles. The Teesta water agreement needs to be expedited whatever may be West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s reservations.Shadow over Bangladesh
A plot to overthrow the government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh was nipped in the bud. But it shows the risks to which democracy is exposed in countries with bitter memories of military rule. The Bangladesh army rose to the occasion and foiled a coup in which retired and serving army officers were involved. Hizbul Tahrir, an Islamic outfit has been banned. The Awami League government has been cracking the whip against rabid Islamic forces since it took office in 2008. A Constitutional amendment has restored secularism in the country’s Constitution. India has viewed the development with friendly interests. But all is not well with Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Rifles mutinied in 2009. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poses a threat to stability which can allow the army to muscle in. India’s relations with Hasina’s government have been on the upswing especially on trade, transit and the land boundary issue. But water-sharing remains a hurdle as do border firings.
Strengthening ties with Bangladesh can also promote connectivity and development in Northeastern India. Myanmar is thankfully moving towards democracy which is in India’s interest. Bangladesh can serve as a link connecting the Northeast to Southeastern Asian markets. The economic scenario in the region will then brighten significantly and the concept of a South Asian community will gain greater substance if India furthers its relations with Bangladesh. New Delhi has to eradicate differences with Dhaka as far as possible to achieve this goal. The Centre should have the last word in pushing forward the country’s Look East policy, overriding regional hurdles. The Teesta water agreement needs to be expedited whatever may be West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s reservations.