Judges’ Training Programme Cancelled
This has been summarized by the remarks of Hasina who spoke about the relations between the two countries in the Indian subcontinent. The transferring of funds has also been halted albeit those had been allocated to the Indian government for external purposes. Although the program involved 50 judges from the lower judiciary, the Government of Bangladesh at the last minute decided to disregard the program which resulted in India getting slightly miffed. The setting up of the Supreme Court in Dhaka is said to being such initiatives within the nation.
Pakistan Returns to Bangladesh
As if providing soldiers, arming the country, and aiding in its army architecture weren’t sufficient, the Pakistani military plans on providing military aid and teaching Bangladesh troops proper combat. It has also been indicated that these sessions are likely to commence in February of the year 2025 demonstrating a key change in the defense strategy of Bangladesh. Pakistan’s involvement in training Bangladeshi soldiers could serve as a conduit for anti-India narratives, given Islamabad’s history of proxy wars and its contentious relationship with New Delhi. In a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Muhammad Yunus emphasized strengthening ties with Pakistan and resolving issues stemming from the 1971 war – a move that further strained Dhaka’s rapport with India.
A Dangerous Example
Adding to the diplomatic turbulence, the Bangladeshi government has revised school textbooks, downplaying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s role in the country’s independence. Instead, the spotlight is now on Ziaur Rahman, credited with declaring independence a claim that contradicts historical consensus. Mujibur Rahman, revered as the “Father of the Nation,” is a symbol of the shared narrative between India and Bangladesh regarding their liberation struggle. This deliberate erasure appears to undermine India’s contributions and complicates the historical bond between the two nations.
The Road Ahead
Bangladesh’s shifting alliances and domestic policy choices under Yunus signal a departure from the pro-India stance maintained by Sheikh Hasina. For New Delhi, these developments underscore the need for proactive diplomacy to address the growing divide. The stakes are high, not just for bilateral ties but for the future of regional geopolitics in South Asia.
