The political and social upheaval in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, has raised significant concerns for Bangladesh and the entire Indian subcontinent. The escalating violence and atrocities against religious minorities, particularly Hindus, have become increasingly alarming, and the situation has begun to unravel the secular fabric that Bangladesh once championed. What is particularly concerning is the rapid rise of radical elements that have fuelled such violence, leaving the minority community in a state of fear and uncertainty. This turmoil, while primarily an internal issue for Bangladesh, carries significant implications for India and the broader region. As a peace-loving and responsible neighbour, India not only watches this crisis unfold but also grapples with its potential consequences for regional stability. Since its creation in 1971, Bangladesh has sought to establish itself as a secular state that would protect all religious communities’ rights. However, in recent years, there has been a disturbing trend toward religious intolerance, marked by targeted attacks on Hindus and other minority groups. These attacks have included killings, rapes, forced conversions, and the destruction of religious places of worship. Such events, often carried out under the guise of political or religious zeal, starkly contrast the nation’s founding principles of secularism and inclusion. In a country that has long prided itself on its pluralistic heritage, the rise of religious extremism is a setback for its democratic ideals. The failure of the Bangladeshi government to protect its minorities and hold perpetrators accountable is particularly problematic. While some government officials have condemned these attacks, the response has often been insufficient, and the judiciary has failed to deliver justice. These shortcomings are exacerbated by the political landscape in Bangladesh, where secular voices are growing weaker and radical groups are gaining ground. The atmosphere of impunity and the silence of the state have allowed the violence to fester, leading to a growing sense of insecurity among religious minorities.
This situation is of grave concern to India, which shares historical, cultural, and religious ties with Bangladesh. India’s role in the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, a defining chapter in the relationship between the two nations, underscores the depth of their connection. The Indian military intervention in the Bangladesh Liberation War led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh. Since then, India has consistently supported its neighbour in its efforts to build a prosperous and democratic nation. For India, the violence against minorities in Bangladesh is not just a matter of foreign policy; it is a moral issue that strikes at the heart of the shared values between the two nations. The atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh have brought the issue of religious intolerance in the neighbouring country to the forefront of Indian political discourse. As the world’s largest democracy with a significant Hindu population, India is deeply invested in ensuring the safety and security of religious minorities, both within its borders and beyond. The situation in Bangladesh calls into question the future of secularism in the region and presents a challenge to India’s long-standing position as a protector of religious pluralism. India cannot ignore the growing persecution of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, as the rise in violence poses a threat not just to the victims but to the entire subcontinent’s stability. The growing instability in Bangladesh has also raised concerns about the potential spillover of radicalism into India. The porous border between the two countries has long been a point of vulnerability, with extremists on both sides of the border taking advantage of the lack of strict controls. The growing influence of radical groups in Bangladesh could lead to an increase in cross-border terrorism, which India has faced in the past. Additionally, the rise of extremism in Bangladesh could further fuel tensions in India’s northeastern states, where religious and ethnic divisions are already a source of unrest. The prospect of a more radicalised Bangladesh poses a serious security risk to India, especially if extremist elements gain a foothold in the border areas.
India’s response to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh has been one of diplomatic concern. India has consistently raised its voice against the attacks on minorities, calling for the protection of religious freedoms and human rights in its neighbouring country. However, India has also been cautious not to intervene too directly, understanding that Bangladesh, as a sovereign nation, must address its internal challenges without external interference. This balancing act is a delicate one, but India’s stance is rooted in its long-standing commitment to peace and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The situation in Bangladesh, however, calls for a more active and engaged approach from India. While respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty, India must find ways to support its neighbour in addressing the rising tide of extremism and violence. India has the diplomatic influence, economic ties, and historical credibility to act as a mediator, encouraging Bangladesh to reaffirm its secular ideals and take concrete steps to protect its minorities.
This can be achieved through quiet diplomacy, urging the Bangladeshi government to take a firmer stance against religious violence and to ensure that those responsible for atrocities are brought to justice. Furthermore, India must continue to foster closer ties with Bangladesh, using diplomacy to encourage greater cooperation between the two nations in security, counter-terrorism, and human rights areas. India can offer expertise in countering extremism, building more assertive law enforcement agencies, and promoting religious tolerance. Such assistance would help Bangladesh strengthen its domestic security and reinforce the regional partnership between the two countries, offering a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
India also has a vital role in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia. The rise of religious intolerance and extremism in one country threatens the stability of the entire region. With its influence and experience, India can take the lead in organising multilateral forums where South Asian nations can share their experiences in combating extremism and work toward creating a more secure and peaceful environment for all religious communities. By promoting interfaith dialogue and encouraging secularism, India can help build a stronger, more cohesive South Asia, underscoring the importance of its role in the region. The solution to the turmoil in Bangladesh lies in a combination of internal reforms and external support. Bangladesh must take steps to reinforce its commitment to secularism, promote religious tolerance, and protect the rights of its minorities. This will require strong political will, the empowerment of civil society, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. However, Bangladesh needs help to face this challenge. India, with its deep ties to the country and its long history of fostering peace, must play an active role in encouraging these reforms and supporting the Bangladeshi government in addressing the root causes of extremism. The road ahead will be challenging. Bangladesh’s challenges are complex, and restoring peace and stability will require time and effort. But India, a peace-loving nation and a trusted friend of Bangladesh, is uniquely positioned to guide its neighbour through this crisis. By working together, both countries can uphold the values of secularism, tolerance, and human rights that have long defined their shared history and secure a better future for all communities in Bangladesh. In conclusion, the turmoil in Dhaka is not just a crisis for Bangladesh; it is a challenge for the entire Indian subcontinent. India’s role as a peace-loving nation committed to regional stability and the protection of minorities makes it crucial to ensure that Bangladesh emerges from this crisis more substantially and more united. By supporting Bangladesh’s secular ideals and advocating for the rights of its minorities, India can help foster a peaceful and inclusive future for the entire region. The turmoil in Dhaka is a call to action for all South Asian nations to stand together in the fight against religious extremism and intolerance, ensuring that the subcontinent remains a place of peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.
