Several Indian media outlets are diverting attention from the recent student uprising in Bangladesh, which demanded reforms to the country’s quota system. What began as a peaceful protest was perceived by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a threat to her authority. She instructed the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), her party’s student wing, to confront the protesters. The BCL, encouraged by party officials, brutally beat and killed several students, with video footage of the violence circulating on social media. When students continued to stand their ground, Hasina deployed the army and riot police, shut down internet and mobile networks, and carried out a massacre. Reports are now emerging that the government is arresting protesting students and harassing their families.
Despite this, some Indian media are portraying the protests as an anti-Hasina movement orchestrated by opposition parties like the BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. An Op-Ed published in News 18 under the title “Third Front Rising: India Needs a ‘Plan B’” discusses the potential political challenges India may face if Sheikh Hasina’s tenure ends. The article argues that her departure could lead to a more assertive and hostile Bangladesh, with stronger ties to Beijing and a willingness to align with Pakistan against India.
The main points highlighted include:
1. Political Instability in Bangladesh: The ongoing protests and growing public dissatisfaction suggest that Hasina’s hold on power is weakening. Her eventual ouster could disrupt the strong bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh.
2. Rise of Anti-India Sentiments: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, are capitalizing on anti-India sentiments. Their “India Out” campaign is gaining traction, aiming to strengthen relations with China at India’s expense.
3. Strategic Concerns for India: The article warns that a government led by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami would likely align more closely with China and Pakistan, creating security challenges for India, particularly in the Northeast. The potential for increased Islamist activities and support for insurgent groups from Bangladesh could destabilize the region.
4. Need for a Strategic Plan: Given these scenarios, India must prepare for a post-Hasina era by developing strategies to manage the changing dynamics with Bangladesh. The article suggests that India should not be caught off guard when the inevitable political shift occurs.
The video news titled “Bangladesh Protest: ‘Islamist Forces Vs Pro-independence Group’; What Next For Sheikh Hasina” by Hindustan Times examines the escalating student protests in Bangladesh and the government’s handling of the situation. According to the video, Bangladesh is currently witnessing a wave of unrest as student protests, initially focused on the reform of the country’s job quota system, have escalated into a broader political crisis. The situation has intensified tensions between Islamist forces and pro-independence groups, posing significant challenges for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. This article delves into the root causes, government responses, and the implications of the ongoing protests. The article blamed social media for anti-Hasina movement. Social media played a crucial role in both spreading information about the protests and fuelling misinformation. The government’s attempt to control the narrative by shutting down internet services was met with significant criticism. Critics argue that early and open dialogue with the protesters could have prevented the escalation of violence. Instead, the government’s actions were seen as attempts to stifle dissent and control the flow of information.
The protests have highlighted a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current government, extending beyond the initial demands for quota reform. The opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have capitalized on the unrest, furthering their own agendas. The BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have been vocal critics of Hasina’s government, accusing it of corruption and incompetence.
The tension between Islamist forces and pro-independence groups has also come to the fore. The BNP and its allies have been pushing anti-India sentiments, aiming to strengthen ties with China. This geopolitical shift poses a significant threat to India’s strategic interests in the region. The potential for a government aligned with Islamist and pro-China forces could destabilize the region and strain Bangladesh’s relations with India.
