India Bangladesh Relation
India and Bangladesh share historical, cultural, and economic ties that date back to Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971. However, despite this close relationship, India has repeatedly been accused of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. From influencing political scenarios to controlling water resources and economic policies, India’s involvement in Bangladesh’s domestic matters has often led to tensions. This article examines key incidents where India has allegedly meddled in Bangladesh’s sovereignty, raising concerns over its impact on the nation’s democracy, economy, and stability.
1. India’s Role in Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
Election Interference
One of the most contentious aspects of India’s involvement in Bangladesh is its alleged interference in elections. Over the years, multiple reports suggest that India has played a role in influencing the electoral process, ensuring a favorable government remains in power.
For example, in the 2014 general elections, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies boycotted the polls, demanding elections under a neutral caretaker government. The ruling Awami League (AL), with tacit Indian support, proceeded with the elections despite the opposition’s protests. Many analysts believe that India backed Sheikh Hasina’s government to maintain its strategic influence in Bangladesh.
Similarly, in the 2018 general elections, allegations of vote rigging and pre-election manipulation surfaced. Reports suggested that India had extended diplomatic and intelligence support to the ruling party to ensure its victory. The Indian media also heavily covered the election with a bias favoring the Awami League, further cementing claims of India’s direct involvement.
Undermining Opposition Parties
India has been accused of undermining Bangladesh’s opposition parties, particularly the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. New Delhi considers BNP’s inclination towards China and Pakistan a threat to its regional dominance. In contrast, it views Sheikh Hasina’s government as a reliable partner.
For instance, during Khaleda Zia’s tenure as Prime Minister, diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh were often strained. Indian officials frequently criticized her government, while pro-Indian media outlets in Bangladesh launched aggressive campaigns against BNP leaders. Such acts of interference have influenced the political balance in Bangladesh, creating a one-sided democratic environment.
2. Border Killings and Human Rights Violations
Another critical issue in India-Bangladesh relations is the extrajudicial killings of Bangladeshi citizens along the border by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). Despite repeated protests from Bangladesh, these incidents continue, highlighting India’s disregard for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and human rights.
According to human rights organizations, hundreds of Bangladeshi civilians, including farmers and traders, have been shot dead by the BSF over the past two decades. India justifies these killings by claiming they are aimed at stopping illegal border crossings and smuggling. However, many of the victims were innocent civilians.
For example, in 2011, a 17-year-old Bangladeshi girl, Felani Khatun, was brutally shot by BSF while trying to cross the border to visit her family. Her dead body was left hanging on the barbed wire fence for hours, triggering international condemnation. Despite widespread outrage, the Indian authorities failed to hold the responsible BSF personnel accountable.
3. Water Disputes and Environmental Concerns
Water-sharing disputes between India and Bangladesh have long been a source of contention. India, being an upper riparian country, controls the flow of major rivers that run into Bangladesh, leading to frequent water shortages, environmental damage, and agricultural crises.
Teesta River Dispute
The Teesta River dispute remains unresolved despite years of negotiations. Bangladesh heavily depends on the Teesta River for irrigation and agriculture, especially in its northern districts. However, India diverts a significant portion of the river’s water through its own barrages, leaving Bangladesh with minimal flow during dry seasons.
Despite repeated assurances from Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no concrete agreement has been reached. The continuous delay in signing the Teesta Water Sharing Treaty suggests India’s reluctance to address Bangladesh’s concerns fairly.
Farakka Barrage Issue
The Farakka Barrage built by India on the Ganges River has been another point of conflict. This barrage significantly reduces the water flow into Bangladesh, causing desertification in northern Bangladesh, loss of aquatic biodiversity, and threats to millions of livelihoods dependent on the river.
Even though India signed the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty in 1996, it has often been accused of violating the terms, releasing less water than agreed upon. Such unilateral control over water resources exemplifies India’s disregard for Bangladesh’s environmental and economic well-being.
4. Economic and Trade Manipulation
Unequal Trade Relations
India enjoys a trade surplus with Bangladesh, exporting far more goods than it imports. This imbalance has created economic dependency, allowing India to exert control over Bangladesh’s trade policies.
For example, Bangladeshi products often face non-tariff barriers in the Indian market, while Indian goods flow into Bangladesh with ease. This has harmed Bangladesh’s local industries and increased its reliance on Indian imports.
Additionally, Bangladesh’s energy sector has been influenced by Indian companies. India has invested in several power projects in Bangladesh, often under terms that favor Indian interests over Bangladesh’s economic autonomy.
Transit and Connectivity Pressure
India has long pressured Bangladesh to grant extensive transit rights for transporting goods and military equipment to its northeastern states. While some transit agreements have been signed, critics argue that they disproportionately benefit India without bringing equal economic advantages to Bangladesh.
Moreover, projects like the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Motor Vehicle Agreement have raised concerns that India is using regional connectivity initiatives to increase its strategic control over Bangladesh’s transport and infrastructure sectors.
5. Security and Intelligence Operations in Bangladesh
Reports suggest that India’s intelligence agencies, particularly the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), have been actively involved in Bangladesh’s internal security affairs.
Supporting Pro-Indian Political Elements
There have been allegations that RAW played a role in helping pro-Indian political elements maintain power in Bangladesh. Indian intelligence agencies have reportedly assisted in monitoring and suppressing anti-Indian movements, sometimes interfering in Bangladesh’s law enforcement and security operations.
Military and Defense Influence
India has attempted to influence Bangladesh’s defense policies by pushing for military cooperation agreements that could increase its control over Bangladesh’s security framework. In recent years, India has supplied military equipment to Bangladesh, some of which were outdated or of questionable quality. Critics argue that these deals serve India’s strategic interests more than Bangladesh’s defense needs.
India’s repeated interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs remains a significant concern for the nation’s sovereignty and stability. From political meddling and border killings to economic manipulation and environmental exploitation, India’s actions have often prioritized its own interests at Bangladesh’s expense.
While diplomatic ties remain strong on the surface, these issues continue to create tensions and resentment among the Bangladeshi population. For Bangladesh to protect its national interests, it must adopt a balanced foreign policy that ensures its political and economic independence while fostering regional cooperation based on mutual respect and equality.
Unless India respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and stops its undue interference, the long-standing friendship between the two countries may continue to be strained.
