THE ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajed has opened a window for potential improvement in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations. During Hasina’s rule, relations remained frosty due to historical bitterness stemming from Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. It is time to move forward beyond the bitterness and rancour. The actions taken by the protesting students immediately following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government give one hope for better ties between Dhaka and Islamabad. After all, prior to Sheikh Hasina’s second tenure as Prime Minister in 2009, relations had improved tremendously through diplomacy, trade and people-to-people contact. So much so that during sports fixtures between India and Pakistan hosted by Bangladesh, many Bengalis would cheer the Pakistani team and wave Pakistani flags, much to the chagrin of New Delhi. Sheikh Hasina not only put an end to it but decreed it to be a criminal offence if any Bangladeshi was found waving the flag of any other country.
Currently, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus—leading Bangladesh’s interim government—is struggling to tackle the myriad problems in the rubble left behind by Sheikh Hasina’s misgovernance. The former microfinance pioneer and his team’s priorities are rebuilding the shattered economy, reinstituting the Election Commission, which had been subverted by the ousted Awami League to rig the last three elections in favour of Sheikh Hasina and restore law and order besides taking steps to establish democracy by hosting free and fair elections. To make matters worse, catastrophic floods affecting 4.5 million people have battered eastern Bangladesh, adding to the challenges facing the interim government. Bengalis, seeking immediate relief, continue to hold protest rallies. There have been sporadic attacks on Hindu minorities although there are indications that New Delhi may be fomenting trouble to discredit the harbingers of the successful revolution, which rid Bangladesh of an Indian factotum—Sheikh Hasina—who had been furthering Indian interests for the last decade and half.
As one of the first steps to re-establish democracy, the interim government has lifted the ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami, which had been banned by Sheikh Hasina under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Notably, the Jamaat did not, and till date, has not, approved the Bangladesh liberation movement against Pakistan. It had fought side by side with the Pakistani army during the liberation war from March 25, 1971 to December 16, 1971 and paid dearly in the aftermath. In post-independence Bangladesh, the Jamaat faced thousands of criminal cases and over 90,000 were jailed. Prime Minister Hasina established the War Crimes Tribunal (WCT) in 2008. Many top leaders of the Jamaat were found guilty by the WCT and executed. International jurists found the trials biased and unfair resulting in the WCT’s proceedings being opposed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The Turkish President withdrew his Ambassador from Dhaka as a protest against the executions.
Now the onus is on Pakistan to engage in deft and subtle diplomacy, focusing on clear and attainable objectives while interacting with Bangladesh’s new leadership, emphasizing shared historical ties and common interests. Regular high-level visits can foster dialogue and understanding. Pakistan’s role in Bangladesh should focus on constructive engagement, mutual respect and regional stability. Instead of gloating over the toppling of the repressive regime of Sheikh Hasina, the government and people of Pakistan must respect the decisions taken by Bangladesh. There may be a temptation by the Islamist parties in Pakistan to welcome the restoration of the Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh politics, but such moves should be avoided. According to The Daily Star, the Jamaat’s permanent membership has mounted to 73,046; indicating that the Jamaat has thrived amid persecution. However, let us give free space to the Bangladeshis themselves to elect a government of their choice. Facilitating people-to-people exchanges, easing visa restrictions, promoting cultural exchanges, academic collaboration and tourism can foster understanding and goodwill.
Enhancing trade and economic cooperation, exploring joint ventures and investment opportunities could be mutually beneficial and contribute to regional prosperity. Collaborating on regional issues, such as climate change and addressing regional security challenges together, such as counter-terrorism and maritime security, can build trust and stability. Supporting development projects, disaster relief efforts and capacity-building initiatives can demonstrate goodwill and solidarity. India’s role in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations is complex and multifaceted. While India has historically had a significant influence in Bangladesh, especially since it supported Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, its actions regarding Bangladesh-Pakistan relations will likely be guided by its broader strategic interests.
India is definitely irked by the lifting of the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh but its leader Shafiqur Rahman has called for stable and harmonious ties with India, urging New Delhi to avoid interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. While his party supports close relations between India and Bangladesh, Rahman emphasizes that both countries should maintain strong and balanced relations with global powers, including the US, China and Pakistan. He asserts that Jamaat-e-Islami is pro-Bangladesh and not against any specific country. Islamabad must remain cognizant of the fact that India played a major role in the safe exit of its strategic asset, Sheikh Hasina. Reports emanating from Dhaka indicate that the Indian government issued a firm directive to the Bangladesh military, notifying them that Squadron 101 (the most potent Indian Air Force squadron) was on high alert and prepared to move to Bangladesh to rescue Prime Minister Hasina and her family. Hasina departed as India fortified its airspace near Bangladesh and secured airspace up to Delhi via Tripura and Kolkata. Concurrently, two Rafale fighter jets arrived at the Agartala BSF air base.
India’s approach to Bangladesh may be guided by different considerations. While ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may have been a reliable Indian ally, the current interim government presents an opportunity for engagement as New Delhi perceives Bangladesh as critical to countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and building a friendly and stable neighbourhood. Overall, Pakistan’s approach should be pragmatic, respectful and forward-looking, aiming for a positive and cooperative relationship with Bangladesh. Dhaka and Islamabad should endeavour to work toward a more positive and accommodating relationship, leaving behind the past animosities and focusing on shared interests.
—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.
(sultanm.hali@gmail.com)
