Current political crisis in Bangladesh

Source: The post current political crisis in Bangladesh has been created, based on the article “Change in Bangladesh, the challenges for India” published in “The Hindu” on 9th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny, the challenges faced by Sheikh Hasina’s government, and the current political crisis in Bangladesh. It highlights the army’s involvement, student protests, Muhammad Yunus’s role, and India’s strategic concerns.

For detailed information on Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations read this article here

How the current political situation is in Bangladesh different from 2009 Bangladesh rifle mutiny?

1. Leadership Stability: In 2009, Sheikh Hasina had just taken power after “clean” elections, with strong support from women and youth, which helped her manage the crisis. In 2024, her popularity has waned due to declining democratic practices and economic struggles.
2. Army’s Role: In 2009, the military was not directly involved, but in 2024, the army, led by General Waker-uz-Zaman, ousted Hasina and is seen as supporting public will.
3. Public Unrest: In 2009, unrest was confined to mutiny, whereas in 2024, widespread student protests and opposition actions reflect broader discontent.
4. Interim Government: The 2024 crisis led to the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as interim leader, a move reflecting the army’s responsiveness to public opinion, unlike 2009.

What Challenges Does the Interim Government Face?

1. Student Protests: The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has sparked widespread unrest, challenging the interim government’s ability to restore order, as the protests are fueled by high youth unemployment and declining democratic space.
2. Opposition Forces: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and other opposition groups, who boycotted the 2024 elections, are attempting to capitalize on the unrest, potentially destabilizing the interim government.
3. Islamic Extremism: The banned Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, known for jihadist violence in 2006-07, is now involved, targeting Awami League supporters and symbols of Bangladesh’s liberation.
4. Minority Attacks: Violence against the Hindu minority community is rising, adding to the interim government’s challenges in maintaining social harmony.
5. India’s Concerns: The interim government must manage the influence of anti-India forces, as India has raised concerns about rising religious violence in Bangladesh.

What Are India’s Concerns?

1. Rising Religious Violence: India is concerned about increasing attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, reflecting growing religiophobia, which India highlighted at the UN in 2021 and 2022.
2. Anti-India Sentiments: The involvement of banned groups like Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, known for anti-India actions, raises concerns about growing anti-India forces in the region.
3. Political Instability: The ousting of Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of Muhammad Yunus as interim leader in 2024 creates uncertainty. India worries about the potential weakening of the army and its impact on regional stability.
4. Strategic Interests: India fears losing its influence if polarizing forces gain power, as seen in similar situations in the Maldives and Myanmar, where India’s support to specific leaders faced backlash.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by the 2024 interim government in Bangladesh and how they differ from the situation during the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles mutiny.