Political instability has been increasing in Bangladesh in the last few months and the dominance of radical forces is being seen again. The activism of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI in Bangladesh has given this problem even deeper. According to sources, Pakistan is now trying to bring Bangladesh closer and use it against India. ISI chief Lieutenant General Aseem Malik’s recent Bangladesh visit has further clarified the matter, which raises the question that what is the real purpose of Pakistan?
Pakistan’s Plan-6!
A discussion is going on in Bangladesh about Pakistan’s possible strategic objective, which is being called ‘Plan-6’. Pakistan intends to increase its presence in those regions of Bangladesh which are located near the Bay of Bengal, such as Cox Bazaar, Ukhiya, Teknaf, Sylhet, Maulvi Bazaar, Habiganj and Sherpur. Pakistan’s presence in these areas was before 1971 and from here Pakistan used to help militant groups active in the north-eastern states of India. Now Pakistan is once again trying to make its inroads in these areas. So that strategic trouble can be created for India.
Rising friendship between Bangladesh and Pakistan
Pakistan is taking several steps to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh. Recently, a Bangladesh military delegation visited Pakistan and after that several agreements were signed between the two countries. Bangladesh has also ordered 35,000 rifles from Pakistan and the Pakistani Army is planning to train the Bangladesh army. Apart from this, direct air services have also started between the two countries. Not only this, the freight ship of Pakistan has started reaching Chittagong.
Pakistan’s biggest focus is on the radical organizations of Bangladesh and the Jamaat-e-Islamic elements present in the army, with which it can carry out its conspiracies against India. Pakistan knows that with the support of these organizations, it can cause political instability and religious tension in Bangladesh, which can be beneficial for its strategic profit.
Two major ideologies have been present in Bangladesh politics since 1947. One ideology is one that talks about the secondary theory and Islamic nationalism and the other is the one who talks about the 1971 freedom struggle and Bengali culture. Since the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, these ideologies have been colliding in Bangladesh politics. However, in recent times, radical forces in Bangladesh have become active again.
Sanjay Bhardwaj
Professor, JNU
‘Furious atmosphere against Hindu community’
JNU’s Capropper Sanjay Bhardwaj said, ‘Bangladesh’s major religious party, Jamaat-e-Islami, which was against the construction of Bangladesh in 1971. Now it has been successful in increasing its strength. People with pro-Pakistan ideology in Bangladesh, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Al-Badar, Al-Shyam Razakar and Islamic Students Organizations. All these are now trying to make important places in power. As a result, Bangladesh’s secular and democratic identity may threaten and create a fierce atmosphere against the Hindu community.
JNU’s Capropper Sanjay Bhardwaj said that Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh, which represents the 1971 ideology. After Hasina’s rule, there has been a significant change in political situations. Sheikh Hasina’s government had taken many important steps towards improving Bangladesh economically and socially. Bangladesh had made a lot of progress towards development and was better than many countries in its social and economic index. But the recent political instability and the rise of radical forces have endangered Bangladesh’s progress.
‘Concern for India’
JNU’s manpropsor Sanjay Bhardwaj said, ‘Bangladesh’s economic status and increasing threat to political stability have caused concern for India. The security and political situation of Bangladesh can affect not only the people of Bangladesh, but also India. India has invested about $ 10 billion in Bangladesh and if instability in Bangladesh increases, it can also adversely affect India’s economy.
Tension on the border may also increase: Sanjay Bhardwaj
He said that tension on the border between India and Bangladesh may also increase. Especially if Pakistan uses the land of Bangladesh against India. Bangladesh’s radical forces and Pakistan’s support can make these issues even more complicated.
The political instability and the emergence of radical forces in Bangladesh can take the form of a serious crisis, combined with the conspiracies of Pakistan. Apart from endangering the security and economic progress of Bangladesh, it can also become an important concern for India. If political and social instability increases in Bangladesh, it will affect not only Bangladesh, but on the whole of South Asia.