Why India Should Avoid Exploiting Bangladesh's Current Political Turmoil

Current Political Turmoil and Unrest in Bangladesh’s

Bangladesh is currently experiencing significant political turmoil and unrest, primarily driven by tensions between the ruling party, the Awami League, and the opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These tensions are not new but have escalated in recent months due to upcoming national elections, scheduled for January 2024. The opposition parties have accused the government of curbing democratic freedoms, suppressed dissent, and planned to rig the elections. In response, there have been widespread protests, strikes, and clashes with law enforcement, leading to a volatile political environment.

The unrest has also been fuelled by economic challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, and issues related to corruption. These factors have exacerbated public dissatisfaction, creating a complex and fragile situation.

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Why This Should Not Be Viewed as an Opportunity for India

In light of the current situation, some might argue that this turmoil presents an opportunity for India to strengthen its influence in Bangladesh. However, such a perspective is fundamentally unethical and ignores the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, and regional stability. Here's why:

1. Bangladesh's Success is the Result of Their Hard Work: The significant progress Bangladesh has made over the past few decades—whether in terms of economic growth, poverty reduction, or human development indicators—has been the result of the hard work, dedicated efforts, and reforms implemented by the Bangladeshi government and its people. This success should be respected and recognized as their achievement. Viewing the current political challenges as an opportunity to exert influence undermines the sovereignty and self-determination that Bangladesh has fought for.
2. Principles of Ethical Diplomacy: India's foreign policy has long been rooted in the principles of non-interference and respect for the sovereignty of its neighbor's. Taking advantage of a neighbouring country's internal challenges would violate these principles and could damage the longstanding and positive relationship between India and Bangladesh.
3. Regional Stability and Cooperation: South Asia is a region that requires stability and cooperation to address shared challenges such as poverty, climate change, and regional security. Any attempt to exploit Bangladesh's internal issues could lead to greater instability, which would be detrimental not only to Bangladesh but to the entire region, including India.
4. Long-Term Relationship: The relationship between India and Bangladesh has been built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared history. Both countries have worked together on numerous issues, including border security, trade, and connectivity. Taking advantage of Bangladesh’s political unrest could strain this relationship and have long-term negative consequences for both countries.

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Conclusion

The current political turmoil in Bangladesh is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful handling. While it may be tempting for some to view it as an opportunity for external influence, this perspective is both unethical and shortsighted. Bangladesh's achievements are the result of its own efforts, and any attempt to capitalize on its challenges would undermine the principles of respect and cooperation that should guide relations between neighboring countries. Instead, India should support Bangladesh in its efforts to resolve these issues internally and continue to build on the strong foundation of their bilateral relationship.

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