The geopolitical scenario of South Asia is currently discussed with a renewed warmth in Pakistan -Bangladesh relations. In India – and as a result, most parts of the world – The notion of this relationship is of historical events, especially in March 1971, when the Pakistan Army launched massacre attacks on intellectuals at Dhaka University and others who have champions due to Bangladeshi freedom Made. The images of December 1971, the conclusion of Pakistan’s surrender and the victorious return of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in January 1972, further strengthens this perspective.
Old assumptions die hard
Given these historical narratives, a long-standing perception has taken root in the Indian psyche that after the partition of Pakistan in two countries and its decisive military defeat- marked by the surrender of 93,000 prisoners of the war- this now India There is not an important military threat to. , Another widely held belief is that Bangladesh will always be grateful, because of his birth as a nation for the intervention and sacrifice of India in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and will always be grateful and maintain strong relations with India. While Indo-Bangladesh relations have been largely positive for decades, some factor-like killing Sheikh Mujib in 1975, shelter of separatist leaders from Northeast in Dhaka, and continuous issues of illegal migration-sometimes stressful concepts Let’s bother. Nevertheless, Bangladesh’s idea with Pakistan after 54 years is unimaginable for many people.
In these five decades, India has played an important role in Bangladesh’s economic growth through trade, investment, infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, technical training, financial assistance and policy assistance. These contributions have greatly increased the economic capabilities and global status of Bangladesh. However, is the change of governance in Dhaka is now in a position as an opponent in the eyes of the leadership of Bangladesh? In 1971, the cruel history of Pakistan Army works- rap, torture, and genocide- fade with collective memory. High-profile trips between Pakistan and Bangladesh recently seem to challenge Indo-Bangladesh partnership for a long time.
Going-on in Chittagong
One of the most notable visits led by a six-member high-level delegation from Bangladesh Army to Rawalpindi, headed by Lieutenant General Kamrul Zaman, the chief staff officer of the Division of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh, under the leadership of the second-in-cloth With the second-in-Comnd after the post-after. chairman. Soon after, the Director General of Pakistan’s ISI analysis, Major General Shahid rich officer, along with other senior officials, visited Dhaka. Unconfiring reports show that this delegation traveled to Rangpur, a cantonment -an area near the Siliguri Corridor -is often considered as the heel of India’s Acilies, although perhaps it is probably not as weak as This is done to be. The delegation also visited Chittagong and held meetings with tribal leaders.
A fundamental truth in international relations is that a change in governance does not automatically make people of one nation hostile to another. However, the new Bangladesh Government – has been formally formed – it seems with the intention of transferring subcontinental balance. In a hurry, the exchange between Bangladesh and Pakistan, especially Rangpur and beyond, indicates a possible revaluation that India cannot ignore.
Chittagong presents a clear indication to any observer that the military establishment is trying to highlight India’s alleged weaknesses – stating that these weaknesses are jointly in crosshair in Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, no serious military strategist will explain it as a direct threat; The only high-level journey does not form one. Instead, the efforts of Pakistan-Bangladesh are making efforts to send a message-maybe many.
Message to india
First, they aim to indicate that peace and stability cannot be taken along the Bangladesh border, while India focuses on securing its western front. Second, they want to demonstrate that the two nations and their terrorists are ready to separate their turbulent past and cooperate against the alleged general threats.
So far, an assurance factor in Bangladesh is that the Bangladesh army was partially affected by political upheaval and road-level disturbance only. This has now increased rapidly due to the increasing anti -India spirit in Bangladesh, it is not completely surprising. In particular, Sheikh Hasina’s safe withdrawal for India took place with the support of the army. Until now, there were very few evidence of changes in its approach, although some signs may exist.
Let practical people speak
Personally, I have always placed a positive attitude of Bangladesh’s army. Its senior leadership had an intellectual bandwidth to connect with me for one hour for about an hour about the need for my attitude and balanced approach of political Islam. In professional conversation – especially within the United Nations peace campaigns – Bangladesh Army officials have consistently demonstrated a mature and practical approach to confidence. In fact, it has been the Bangladesh army that has served as a buffer, which has prevented Bangladesh from committing suicide for fully Islamic fanaticism.
This would be good to learn from the experience of the Pakistan Army, which is now struggling with the consequences of fanatic and promoting terrorism – it is impossible to destroy the cosmic tiger. Fortunately, there are still enough practical in Dhaka, both in and outside, which understand the risks of very closely alignment with Pakistan.
Trumpian concerns
Meanwhile, Trump 2.0 is unlikely to be amazed by the negligent policies of the Biden administration, which facilitated the increase in power of Mohammad Yunus – as well as with a government that shows very little relation to its minority communities. Given that the economy stumbles and the manufacturing is its lowest in the years, Trump has taken advantage of reversing the situation with strategic assistance manipulation.
In addition, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar was already engaged with the new US administration and Prime Minister Modi expected to meet President Trump in February 2025, there is a possibility of a favorable result. Trump has very little tolerance for those who are demanding instability where no one is present.
India, on its behalf, is surprised by recent developments, maintains its strategy of calm diplomacy on rhetoric – an approach that is its best bet.
(The author GOC, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority, Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir and former GOC of 15 Corps in Srinagar)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
