As Bangladesh grows closer to Pakistan; Should India be worried?

Dhaka: Growing closeness between Pakistan and Bangladesh has heightened India's concerns. For decades, India has been a key training destination for many senior Bangladeshi officials and a source of support and regional guidance. However, some Bangladeshi officials are now undergoing training in Pakistan. While this shift is symbolic, it has unsettled India. It is also being viewed as an early indicator of how the new Bangladeshi government intends to engage with its neighbors.

Is Bangladesh Moving Closer to Pakistan?

A delegation of 12 senior Bangladeshi bureaucrats participated in an executive training program at the Civil Services Academy in Lahore from May 4 to May 21. Analysts suggest this move indicates that Prime Minister Tariq Rahman seeks greater diplomatic maneuverability for Bangladesh, contrasting with the era of former leader Sheikh Hasina, which was marked by very close ties with India. This initiative comes at a time when India is closely monitoring the direction of Bangladesh's foreign policy—particularly regarding the normalization of relations with Pakistan and the rising domestic influence of Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami.

What is Bangladesh's New Strategy Vis-à-Vis India?

Following a prolonged period of strained relations during the tenure of the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Tariq Rahman's administration has taken steps to mend diplomatic ties with India. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited Delhi last month; this marked the first high-level political engagement between the two nations since the new government assumed power in Dhaka following the February elections. However, Khalilur Rahman subsequently visited China and invited it to participate in the Teesta project—a move that displeased India.

What is Current Status of India-Bangladesh Relations?

India and Bangladesh have resumed visa services to improve bilateral ties. Amid the global energy crisis, India has also provided energy assistance to Bangladesh under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, as part of a bilateral agreement. Bangladesh is grappling with various economic crises, including a sluggish growth rate, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and soaring inflation. Rising fuel and fertilizer prices have further exacerbated the situation.

Can Pakistan help Bangladesh?

Experts observe that Pakistan's economy—already struggling with numerous challenges—lacks the necessary production capacity and commercial infrastructure to meet Bangladesh's import requirements. Despite this, Pakistan has been keen to build ties with Bangladesh; consequently, the new government in Dhaka proceeded with a civil servant training program, seeing no downside to such cooperation.

Is Tarique Rahman under pressure from Islamic hardliners?

Experts note that Bangladesh's policy moves—such as training civil servants in Pakistan—do not imply the country has forgotten its struggle for independence in 1971 to break free from decades of political, economic, and cultural oppression by West Pakistan. However, Bangladesh's tilt towards Pakistan is intensifying under pressure from Islamist hardliners who exert significant influence over the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—a party already notorious for its ties to Pakistan.

Is Bangladesh seeking to maintain pressure on India?

Bangladesh aims to keep pressure on India. To this end, it is not only moving closer to Pakistan but also strengthening military ties. There are reports that Bangladesh may soon purchase JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan. The two nations are also conducting joint military exercises. By fostering friendship with Pakistan, the Muhammad Yunus government is also appeasing Bangladeshi hardliners, who typically hold an anti-India stance.