Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey

Source-This post on Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey” published in “The Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Context– Indian media suggests that Muhammad Yunus, an economist, caused the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and outsmarted India. However, this theory is part of a broader trend in South Asia, where conspiracy theories are often used to explain political changes without clear evidence.

For ex- During the 1975 Emergency, Indira Gandhi used the excuse of foreign interference, particularly by the CIA, to deflect responsibility and evade accountability for her political troubles.

What are the reasons behind fall of Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh?

1) Popularity and Governance Issues– Sheikh Hasina’s government became increasingly unpopular due to election rigging, a tight grip on power, and rising authoritarianism. Economic difficulties worsened by the post-COVID situation also sparked more dissent.

2) Student Movements- The student protests against quotas sparked wider opposition to the government.

What roles do foreign powers, particularly the USA, play in overthrowing governments globally?

1) Bangladesh-

A) Hasina’s belief that the US overthrew her because she refused to allow a military base highlights a common pattern among South Asian leaders, who often blame external forces for their internal problems.

B) Indian Prime Minister introduced Sheikh Hasina to US President at the G20 summit, and despite election concerns, the Biden Administration continues to work with Dhaka. This suggests that claims of CIA involvement in regime changes are exaggerated.

2) Venezuela & Cuba– The CIA has struggled to influence politics even in nearby countries like Venezuela and Cuba. Similarly, India’s intelligence agency, R&AW, is frequently accused of interfering in regional politics.

A detailed article on Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations can be read here.

What should be the way forward for India?

1) Instead of blaming external actors, India should thoroughly examine the Bangladesh crisis to gain valuable insights for improving its foreign policy.

2) India should look ahead, work with Dhaka’s new leadership, and support the student movement for political reform and economic opportunities.

3) The crisis in Bangladesh and tensions in Burma requires closer stronger India-US cooperation. Their shared interests are key to ensuring stability and collaboration in the Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas.

Question for practice

What roles do foreign powers, especially the USA, play in toppling governments worldwide? What steps should India take in response?