Current Situation in Bangladesh
Antar Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP) organized a profound discussion on the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, focusing on the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the concerning violence, particularly against the Hindu minority, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Pravasi Bhawan. The meeting saw participation from ARSP members, concerned citizens, and experts, both physically present and joining online.
Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, ARSP, highlighted several critical issues at the recent meeting regarding the turmoil in Bangladesh. The focus was on the upheaval following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and flight to India, causing unrest and a collapse of law and order. Key points discussed include the political shift caused by Hasina's resignation, allegations of foreign interference, potential spillover effects on India, impact on Hindu minorities, and the lack of significant international intervention. In response, the ARSP recommended that India engage in high-level diplomatic talks with Bangladesh, strengthen border security, provide humanitarian support to persecuted minorities, safeguard economic ties, and raise public awareness to foster a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Ambassador Virendra Gupta, President of ARSP, highlighted the recent turmoil in Bangladesh as a significant concern for India. He urged a thorough examination of its implications for bilateral relations and regional stability. While unexpected, experts anticipated the unfolding events in Bangladesh as a potential outcome. The situation has a substantial impact on India's security and economic interests. Ambassador Gupta stated that instability in Bangladesh could impact India's security, disrupt trade relations, and affect regional financial stability.
Furthermore, he emphasized that trust and people-to-people relations are crucial, as mutual understanding extends beyond government interactions. Challenges include the perception of India's intentions, the unclear role of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and speculations about external influences. The workshop aims to provide input on navigating these complexities and formulating strategies to address Bangladesh's evolving situation.
Ambassador Veena Sikri, a distinguished diplomat with extensive expertise in South Asia, recently addressed a workshop on the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh. Her address offered a thorough examination of the country's recent political and social upheavals, unveiling the intricate dynamics at play. Ambassador Sikri emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the recently tumultuous nature and sharing insights from various sources, including media reports and direct contacts within Bangladesh. She focused on the root causes of the unrest, particularly student protests and their broader political implications. Ambassador Sikri highlighted the historical alignment of students with the ruling Awami League, especially given their role in the 1971 Liberation War, and examined the contentious issue of the quota system for public sector jobs.
She detailed a timeline of events leading to increased violence, raising the unsettling possibility that the unrest could be part of a Jamaat-e-Islami-driven coup, with external forces, including Pakistan and potentially the United States, playing a role. Additionally, Ambassador Sikri highlighted Bangladesh's severe economic crisis, with corruption and financial mismanagement further destabilizing the economy. She emphasized the importance of India's careful navigation of the crisis and urged the international community to support stability and democracy in Bangladesh thoughtfully. Ambassador Sikri's speech comprehensively analyzed the situation, underscoring its historical, political, social, and economic complexities.
Professor Smruti Pattanaik, a senior research fellow at MP-IDSA, delivered a comprehensive analysis of recent political and social movements in Bangladesh. She focused on various aspects, including the activities of student organizations, the country's political dynamics, and the potential implications for its future. Pattanaik's discussion began with examining student groups such as Islamic Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal. Expressing skepticism about their reported influence, she shared insights from an interview with Moeen Khan, underscoring the prominence of Islamic Chhatra Shibir compared to the less active Chhatra Dal.
Professor Pattanaik addressed the government's actions, particularly Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's response following the Dhaka café attack, which resulted in a crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami and a reduction in its student wing's visibility. She noted Jamaat-e-Islami's resilience and strategic use of religious networks to maintain its influence despite political challenges and past bans. Pattanaik also discussed the judiciary's relationship with the government, highlighting public distrust and the impact of judicial decisions on student protests.
Furthermore, she reflected on the army's role in recent politics, possible international influences and the army's efforts to maintain stability. Pattanaik critiqued the oversimplified view of India's role in Bangladesh's political issues, emphasizing the significance of domestic factors and political maneuvers by parties like the Awami League and BNP. Professor Pattanaik expressed concerns about recent resignations in critical sectors and potential uncertainties in Bangladesh's political landscape. She suggested possible future developments, including increased military involvement or political realignments, culminating in a nuanced understanding of Bangladesh's complex political and social dynamics.
In the end, the question-answer session saw active participation from diverse individuals, each bringing their unique perspectives to the discussion. Shri Sanjay Bhalla, Vice President of ARSP, offered insightful observations and remarks on pressing issues. He highlighted the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, emphasizing the critical situation surrounding the potential ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the country's current Prime Minister. Bhalla also expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, particularly targeting the Hindu minority community, which has become a significant point of contention and alarm in the region. His comments provided a nuanced understanding of the complex political landscape and the human impact of the unrest, sparking a thoughtful dialogue among the participants.
India-Bhutan Relations
Antar Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP) hosted a roundtable conference on India-Bhutan bilateral relations at Pravasi Bhawan on June 05, 2024, attracting luminaries and scholars to discuss the multifaceted relationship between India and Bhutan. The workshop, chaired by Ambassador Virendra Gupta, the President of ARSP, brought together a panel of distinguished speakers to provide insights into this important partnership's strategic, economic, cultural, and diplomatic aspects.
Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee at ARSP, set the tone for the event with a warm welcome and a thorough introduction of the panelists. In his eloquent opening remarks, Dr. Rai vividly depicted the historical, cultural, economic, and linguistic ties between India and Bhutan, underscoring India's pivotal role as a neighbor. He illuminated the contemporary issues and ongoing projects initiated by the Indian government, all aimed at fortifying this crucial bilateral relationship.
Professor Rajesh Kharat, from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the strategic significance of Bhutan for India. He emphasized Bhutan's position as a buffer state between India and China, highlighting the importance of maintaining and strengthening this relationship to ensure regional security and stability. Professor Kharat noted that Bhutan's strategic location, bordering India and China, makes it a crucial player in the region's geopolitical dynamics. He stressed the need for India to continue supporting Bhutan's sovereignty and independence, as any instability or conflict in Bhutan could have far-reaching implications for India's security interests.
Prof. Kharat also shares about People-to-People Connections, taking his experience traveling to Bhutan and the importance of fostering people-to-people connections between the two countries. He discussed the potential for enhanced cooperation in areas such as education, tourism, and cultural exchange but also expressed concerns about the impact of restrictive tourism policies on these linkages. Kharat emphasized the need for India and Bhutan to explore new avenues for strengthening people-to-people ties, which he believes are crucial for the long-term sustainability of the bilateral relationship.
Professor Smruti Pattanaik, a senior research fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis (MPIDSA), provided an in-depth analysis of the economic relationship between India and Bhutan. She discussed the strong trade and investment linkages, with India being Bhutan's largest trading partner and a major investor in the country's hydropower sector. However, Pattanaik also raised concerns about Bhutan's growing indebtedness to India and the need to diversify economic engagement, including through the involvement of Bangladesh and other regional partners. She emphasized the importance of balancing India's financial interests and Bhutan's long-term development goals, ensuring the relationship remains mutually beneficial.
Shri Shyam Parande, Secretary-General, ARSP, highlighted the deep-rooted cultural ties between India and Bhutan, particularly in Buddhism. He stressed the need to address sensitive cultural issues, such as the impact of Westernization on Bhutanese society and the preservation of traditional values. Shri Parande noted that the cultural exchange between the two countries has been a cornerstone of their relationship, and he emphasized the importance of continued efforts to strengthen these linkages through educational exchanges, tourism and other people-to-people initiatives.
Ambassador Virendra Gupta emphasized respecting Bhutan's sovereignty and acknowledging its increasing assertiveness in foreign policy. He noted the challenges posed by China's growing presence in the region and Bhutan's efforts to balance its relations with India and China. Gupta stressed the importance of maintaining trust and open communication between India and Bhutan as Bhutan navigates its evolving international relations. He also highlighted the need for India to be sensitive to Bhutan's concerns and to work collaboratively to address any emerging issues or tensions in the relationship.
Letter many ARSP office bearers, members, students and faculties such as Shri Sanjay Bhalla – Vice President, ARSP, Shri Narayan Kumar – Honorary Director, ARSP, Shri Amit Gupta – Joint Secretary, ARSP, Professor Amarjiva Lochan – Dean, Department of International Relations, Delhi University, Shri Anil Joshi, President, Vaishvik Hindi Parivar, Dr. Rutuja participated in open question and answer sessions and discussed several valuable points which provided a comprehensive overview of the India-Bhutan relationship, highlighting the need for a nuanced and sensitive approach to address the evolving dynamics. Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining trust, respecting Bhutan's sovereignty, and exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation. The discussion underscored the strategic, economic, and cultural dimensions of this important partnership and the need to address emerging challenges, such as Bhutan's growing engagement with China and the impact of economic and cultural factors on the bilateral relationship.
The workshop served as a valuable platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue, share insights, and identify key priorities for strengthening the India-Bhutan relationship in the years to come. The ARSP's role in convening this event underscores its commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of India's neighborhood policy and the country's strategic partnerships in the region.
ARSP Organised Insightful Discourse on India-Bangladesh Bilateral Relations
Antar Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP) hosted a roundtable conference on India-Bangladesh bilateral relations at Pravasi Bhawan on May 01, 2024, participating ARSP members and scholars physically and virtually. Distinguished speakers graced the occasion, lending their expertise to the discourse on the multifaceted dynamics of India-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee at ARSP, welcomed panelists and introduced the program. In his opening remarks, he provided a historical, cultural, economic, and linguistic background on India-Bangladesh relations, highlighting India's role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Amb. Virendra Gupta, chair of the program, discussed contemporary issues in the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship. He highlighted several Indian government projects to strengthen ties and addressed the misconceptions and mistrust among Bangladeshis that have negatively impacted the relationship.
Dr. Sreeradha Datta, a Professor at the Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, began her address by stating that the relationship between India and Bangladesh is currently the best it has ever been. She highlighted the extensive engagement across various sectors, which was previously unprecedented. Dr. Datta also mentioned the 2010 joint communique between India and Bangladesh, which covers an economic corridor, transportation, and transit access that Bangladesh provides to India. Additionally, she emphasized the $7.8 billion line of credit extended to Bangladesh, the most prominent India has given to any neighboring country.
Dr. Datta also discussed the contributions of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, including steps taken in favor of India, such as addressing security issues, the Chittagong arms smuggling case, the Ganges water treaty, the Teesta water treaty, and recent developments in Bangladesh's transit to Northeast India. These actions reflect the strong bond and trust between the two countries.
She suggested that the Indian government should work more closely with Bangladesh to implement many projects that are currently only on paper. There are significant opportunities for collaboration in various areas, including security, energy, communication, and transportation. Over the past 15 years, the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh has seen unprecedented development, with both countries benefiting from each other's progress.
Ambassador Veena Sikri, Vice Chairperson of the South Asia Foundation, congratulated ARSP for organizing this important event on the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship. She highlighted Bangladesh's liberation war as a key event that built trust between Bangladesh and India, bringing the two countries closer and making India a trusted partner of Bangladesh.
In her lecture, she emphasized that security and connectivity are India's most significant concerns with Bangladesh. She noted that while signing agreements is one thing, implementing projects is another. She acknowledged that implementation is challenging, but the Indian government now focuses on this aspect.
She also discussed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's efforts and highlighted how these have addressed India's concerns regarding security and connectivity. The Bangladeshi leadership has made their citizens understand that the relationship with India is crucial for Bangladesh's development. She expressed concern about the killings on the India-Bangladesh border and the negative role of China in the region. She provided a brief background on the Ganges and Teesta water treaties and the Farakka Dam, suggesting that while India-Bangladesh relations are progressing well, there is still work to be done at the grassroots level.
Prof. Smruti Pattanaik, a Senior Research Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses in New Delhi, begins her address by stating that "no other country makes the impact that India does." She emphasizes India's crucial geographical role in various situations.
She discusses the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, highlighting the roles of the Mukti Bahini and Mujib Bahini. Prof. Pattanaik also addresses the issue of border killings, noting concerns on both sides about how Bangladeshis perceive these incidents and the challenges faced by BSF personnel dealing with armed smugglers at the border. She criticizes the Indian government for not fulfilling its promise to use rubber bullets on the India-Bangladesh border.
Prof. Pattanaik underscores several misconceptions about India in Bangladesh, pointing out the failure to develop effective counter-narratives regarding border killings and political or religious interference. She mentions various issues affecting bilateral relations and suggests that we must consider these from a trilateral perspective. Â To improve relations, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with people, particularly students coming to India on scholarships, as they can act as ambassadors to help change these misconceptions.
Ambassador Virendra Gupta, President of ARSP, concluded the session by addressing several essential points. He highlighted the issue of 'Hindu minorities' in Bangladesh, noting that ARSP has received several delegations from this community over the last 2-3 years. Ambassador Gupta emphasized that the systemic challenges faced by Hindu minorities in Bangladesh continue regardless of the government in power. He referred to data showing a significant decline in the Hindu minority population since 1945.
Ambassador Gupta also addressed the mistrust between Bangladesh and India. He stressed that India, while large, is not hegemonic and has worked to dispel misconceptions and mistrust. He called for reevaluating India's "big brother" approach toward its neighboring countries. Additionally, he discussed China's role in the region, cautioning that while vigilance is necessary, overreacting would not be beneficial.
Throughout the workshop, the proceedings emphasized the historical goodwill, cultural ties, economic interdependence, and future potential of India-Bangladesh relations. India needs to build trust and understanding to maximize economic cooperation at both governmental and business levels. Despite the strong relationship between the two governments, unresolved issues like the sharing of Teesta water were highlighted as needing further attention. There was also a call for more efforts to enhance people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Attendees, including ARSP office bearers, members, and esteemed scholars, actively participated in the discussions, enriching them with diverse perspectives. The participants combined online and in-person participation. The hybrid format ensured broader inclusivity and robust interaction, highlighting ARSP's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration across borders.
The conference concluded successfully, reaffirming ARSP's pivotal role in promoting international cooperation and understanding. It focused on promoting cordiality and goodwill at people-to-people and civil society levels, particularly between India and Bangladesh. The event emphasized the importance of addressing unresolved issues and expanding economic cooperation between the two nations.
ARSP's initiative demonstrates its dedication to promoting meaningful dialogue and collaboration across borders, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
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