Amidst the escalating reservation protests that have claimed over 300 lives since July, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post and sought refuge in India. The country is engulfed in violent protests, placing Hasina in constant danger. Consequently, she stepped down and immediately departed for India. Interestingly, Hasina had already visited India twice in June, raising questions about whether she anticipated the unrest.
On June 9, 2024, Sheikh Hasina attended the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as he took office for the third time as Prime Minister of India. Invited by Modi, Hasina made a special trip to Delhi but returned to Bangladesh shortly after the event. Surprisingly, within two weeks, she visited India again for a two-day trip. During this visit, Hasina had meetings with Prime Minister Modi, President Draupadi Murmu, and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, drawing the attention of China and Pakistan.
This marked the 10th meeting between Modi and Hasina in the past five years. The two leaders presided over the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at Hyderabad House in Delhi. Modi emphasized the alignment of Bangladesh with India’s Neighborhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar, and Indo-Pacific Vision. He highlighted the completion of several key public welfare projects over the past year, including the initiation of trade in Indian Rupees between the two countries and the successful operation of the world’s longest river cruise on the Ganges. Additionally, the first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh was completed.
Hasina’s back-to-back visits to India within 15 days sparked curiosity and speculation. Was she apprehensive about the future? Were the agreements with India a strategic move anticipating turbulent times ahead? Such frequent visits by a head of state are unusual, prompting questions about her motives. By breaking protocol and reaching out to India, Hasina seemed to be strengthening ties with Delhi. This established friendship likely influenced her decision to seek refuge in India following her resignation.
In conclusion, Sheikh Hasina’s recent actions suggest a strategic foresight in bolstering relations with India amidst the internal turmoil in Bangladesh.
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