GS2 – International Relations
Context:
Bangladesh has completed one year since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal in the 2024 student-led uprising. The interim government, headed by Muhammad Yunus, is contending with rising extremism and economic instability.
Developments Post-Uprising:
- July Declaration: Yunus announced an initiative to formally recognise the 2024 uprising in the Constitution.
- Religious Extremism: Increase in militant activities, large-scale release of extremists, and targeted violence against minorities.
- Economic Distress: Sluggish GDP growth and mounting public debt have weakened the economy.
Implications for India:
- Security Concerns: Risk of reduced cooperation on countering cross-border insurgency and illegal migration.
- Water Disputes: Possible delays in Teesta River water-sharing agreements.
- Connectivity Impact: Challenges to India’s Act East Policy trade and transport corridors.
- Regional Stability: Political volatility could result in refugee inflows into Northeast India.
India–Bangladesh Relations:
- Historical Bonds: Shared history, linguistic and cultural ties since the 1971 Liberation War.
- Economic Linkages:
- Bangladesh is India’s largest South Asian trading partner.
- India ranks as the second-largest market for Bangladesh’s ready-made garments (RMG), which enjoy duty-free access.
- India has provided $7.86 billion in Lines of Credit—the highest extended to any country.
- Challenges:
- Water-sharing disputes (Teesta).
- Illegal migration concerns.
- Growing Chinese influence in Bangladesh.