BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has stirred debate with his recent comments on India, made during a BBC interview. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s national interest would be his only priority, calling for a fair share of water resources, an end to border incidents like the killing of teenager Felani, and remarking that if India chooses to shelter Sheikh Hasina, it must accept the consequences of public resentment in Bangladesh.
Electoral Strategy and Populist Positioning
According to Dr. Sreeradha Datta, professor of international relations at O.P. Jindal Global University and a Bangladesh specialist, Rahman’s statements are primarily directed at his electoral base. By framing his stance as one of sovereignty and fairness, he seeks to consolidate nationalist sentiment ahead of the upcoming elections.
Historical Context of BNP-India Relations
Retired Lieutenant General Utpal Bhattacharya, a veteran of the 1971 Liberation War, reminded observers that Bangladesh-India relations under Khaleda Zia’s BNP government were neither particularly warm nor outright hostile. This historical precedent suggests that while tensions may arise, pragmatic engagement has often prevailed.
The Teesta Question and Future Engagement
Indian analyst Sumit Dutta Majumdar highlighted that the Teesta water-sharing agreement remains unresolved but still negotiable. He argued that dialogue could lead to a solution, but the bigger challenge for New Delhi lies in managing relations with Tarique Rahman and the BNP’s hardliners, some of whom have historically been viewed with suspicion in India.
Broader Implications
Rahman’s remarks come at a sensitive time, as Bangladesh prepares for elections and India recalibrates its regional strategy. Analysts note that while his comments may resonate domestically, they also signal the complex balancing act any future BNP government would face: reassuring its nationalist base while maintaining workable ties with India.
If Rahman does return to power, the trajectory of Bangladesh-India relations will likely hinge on whether both sides can move beyond past mistrust and focus on shared interests such as trade, connectivity, and water management.
+ There are no comments
Add yours