Bangladesh: Tariq Rehman Faces Challenge Of Managing Pakistan Ties As ISI Acts Unruly

Dhaka: Bangladesh is set to have a full government after 18 months of interim rule. The BNP, which won a landslide victory in the Bangladesh elections, will form the government. This government will be led by Tariq Rahman. All eyes are on Tariq Rahman's policies, particularly his relations with Pakistan. In fact, during the past 18 months, Mohammad Yunus's interim government prioritized Pakistan. Therefore, the question arises as to how the future Prime Minister Tariq Rahman will deal with Pakistan.

Experts have criticized Yunus's interim government for giving too much leeway to Pakistan. Yunus relaxed visa rules and gave Pakistan unrestricted access to Bangladesh's waters. Security agencies say this could be a potential route for terrorists to enter India.

How were Pakistan and Bangladesh ties during the previous BNP government?

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) previously ruled from 2001 to 2007. At that time, Bangladesh's relations with India were strained and its ties with Pakistan were close. New Delhi accused the Bangladesh government of allowing terrorists to use its territory against India.

This time, things may be different because Jamaat-e-Islami is no longer an ally of the BNP. Experts believe that the BNP cannot be expected to completely distance itself from Pakistan like the Awami League, but Tariq will not want to spoil relations with India either. He will understand the importance of maintaining good relations with India.

According to an official, relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh will remain normal if Tariq becomes PM. However, it is unlikely that, like the Yunus government, he will allow the Pakistani agency ISI to use his country as a playground for anti-India activities.

The official further stated that Tariq Rahman's primary challenge is to improve law and order in the country, which is grappling with violence. Therefore, he will not want to give the Pakistani army and intelligence agencies too much freedom on his soil, which could create new problems for his government.

When will India's concerns increase?

New Delhi won't have any problems with normal relations between Dhaka and Islamabad. India's problems will begin if Tariq Rahman follows in Yunus' footsteps. Yunus had given free rein to the Pakistani Army and ISI personnel to expand their influence in Dhaka.

Abhinav Pandya, founder of the think-tank Usanas Foundation, says that the BNP has not abandoned its Islamist stance, but this time it may demonstrate a practical approach in government. Tariq Rahman has talked about a nation-first policy, which is a good sign.

Pandya further said, "It is clear that Tariq will not allow any country to interfere in Bangladesh's affairs. He has given the slogan 'Neither Delhi nor Pindi'. This is a sign of change. Tariq Rahman will follow his nation-first policy. This is a better approach for his foreign policy relations."