History
Bangladesh, a country in South Asia founded in 1971 has an interesting history itself. The region was part of Bengal, one of the largest province of the Undivided India. When India get independence from the British in 1947, the region was divided into two countries: Pakistan (containing the area of Western Region of Punjab, Karachi, Baloch, Eastern region of Bengal) and India(with rest of area ). The interesting part was that Pakistan have two mainland which was not connected to each other and are thousands of miles away .
So 1971 was the year when Bangladesh got separated by Pakistan after involvement of India in the war against Pakistan. The presidentship of the country was given to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Awami League, who later become the prime minister of the country and later was assasinated. But strange thing happened was in 2024, when his daughter, Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister resigned and left the country. Let’s explore what going on there.
Resignation of Sheikh Hasina
Quota reform movement : Its all started with the reform movement which was started in June 2024, in which Supreme Court reinstated the reservation quota of 30% for the descendants of freedom fighters reversing the government decision of 2018 quota reform movement. As it limits the students to get job on the basis of merit list.
The early phase of protests were peaceful but soon it turned to be blockades by the students all over the nation making situation tense, in mid of july the colour of protest turned to be red by complete shutdown of the country, at the end the Prime Minister have to resign on 5th of August.
She not just step down and sat at her home, but also force to exit the country. There were rumours she will go to London but She was given shelter by New Delhi.
Muhammad Yunus appointed as Interim Prime Minister
President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders and student leaders decided to make an interim Prime Minister , so they decided to offer the post to Mohammad Yunus, a 84 year old man is a Nobel Prize winner. He is the founder of Grameen Bank which has helps Self Help Groups significantly. The bank has helped various poor families to uplift from poverty.
He promised to the people that Bangladeshi people are his family, and he will do everything to do good for his country.
But as soon he take charge, Fundamentalists of the country starts targeting minority community. We have seen ISKON, a renowned Hindu Organization Monks were detained by the Police. We have also seen that various monks even after having passports were not allowed to leave the country. The violence has widened with the time in Bangladesh.
The question still asked by 2 crore minority in the country whether the Nobel receiver can assure their rights in the country. Indian Government and British Government even advocated for the rights of Hindus. Donald Trump during his compaign in election also promised if return to power he will ensure the stability within the Bangladesh.
20 January is about to come its interesting to see whether Trump will enforce his promise or not. A person can only be judged by giving them power.
Shift in Policy After change of Power?
We have seen that Sheikh Hasina was very friendly with their neighbouring country India, and recent election in 2024 January with Hasina as P.M. has made New Delhi a breathe of relieve that they can work collaborately with Bangladesh. But luck was not with neither India nor Hasina, as in just 8 months, she was forced to leave her country.
Even today after so many cases of corruption against Sheikh Hasina in her home nation Bangladesh, India has helped her by extending her visa stay in India.
The new administrator seems to be conflict with India as in past few months various controversies were revolved around India.
This include Adani power deal, when Yunus administration accused the deal of 2017 by saying that it was alotted by then Prime Minister Hasina without any tender process , so they seek to re-negotiate for the Delhi on their own terms.
The major controversy include a stupid move by a close aide of Yunus, Mahfuz Alam where he posts to annex some parts of the country, later deleted his post, but it was too late. This move lead to major clashes, Indian MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said, ” We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side. We understand that the post being referred to has reportedly been taken down. ”
After some days, India even shown a humanitary gestures by sending 25000 tonnes of rice to Bangladesh.
Indian Government has decided to fencing the border of India- Bangladesh to keep a full stop on migration of people from Bangladesh to India. Even Bangladesh Administration resisted the move but India keeps tightening their security.
Tensions are also high at Myanmar-Bangladesh Border as Myanmar has recently bombed Arakan region. It is the major concern for the security of Bangladesh
Additionaly, the oposition party Bangladeshi National Party leader Begum Khaleda Zia has recently left for London for curing a disease, she is facing since 2017, now eyes are set that without the leaders of two largest national parties, Muhammad Yunus will be able to deliver the justice to the democracy of country or not as election are expected to be done in 2025 or 2026 likely.
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