By K S Tomar
Notwithstanding complete autocracy, contemptuous attitude towards lakhs of unemployed youths and disregard for the miseries of poor people, former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina’s unceremonious ouster was allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), a student wing of hard-line, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Khaleda Zia’s party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and intelligence network of China working in this country which led to inflaming of the unprecedented violence and streets protests.
Experts say that Bangladesh has gone the Sri Lanka way but with one stark difference. Bangladesh faced a public upsurge due to the autocracy of Sheikh Hasina and economically it is a major growing economy in the world whereas, in 2022, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was ousted amid an acute economic crisis, with severe shortages of essential goods, fuel, and medicines, leading to mass protests, etc.
Immediate tasks before the interim government
The interim government has to navigate a highly polarized political landscape with major parties at odds and a history of contentious elections. They need to establish a neutral ground and engage with all political factions to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition.
Ensuring that upcoming elections are free, fair, and credible is critical for restoring public trust in the democratic process. As widespread corruption has eroded public trust in government institutions, the interim government will have to initiate anti-corruption drives, targeting high-profile politicians and business leaders. However, these actions had to be seen as fair and not politically motivated.
Ensuring security and law and order in a volatile environment is essential to prevent violence and maintain public confidence. This involves managing protests and civil unrest carefully, ensuring that security forces act with restraint to avoid human rights abuses. The government will have to balance maintaining order with respecting human rights, avoiding the pitfalls of authoritarianism. They need to ensure that emergency powers are not abused and that the rights of citizens are protected.
Managing international relations and securing support from the global community is crucial, especially for economic aid and diplomatic backing. The interim government needs to engage with international organizations, donor countries, and regional allies to ensure continued support and investment
Challenges for India and America
The ouster of Sheikh Hasina, who has been considered a friendly ally to India, presents several challenges for India in its diplomatic, economic, and strategic spheres. If Khalida Zia’s BNP comes into power then it is bound to be pro-Pakistan and China thereby projecting India and the US as enemies.
A new leadership might tilt towards China, enhancing its influence in Bangladesh. This could counterbalance India's efforts and affect its strategic interests in the region. Also, the Indian government should take up the issue of Hindu safety with the interim government and army to protect them from extreme elements.
Navigating these challenges will require a careful balance between immediate stabilization measures and laying the foundation for long-term democratic governance. The success of the interim government in managing these issues will be crucial for setting Bangladesh on a stable and democratic path.
(The writer is a strategic affairs columnist and political analyst based in Shimla. Views are personal)
