Sheikh Hasina’s resignation: Turmoil in Bangladesh and impact on India
Bangladesh is currently going through a period of great turmoil. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned after the violence erupted over the reservation issue and the reins of the country have now gone into the hands of the army. After this, Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge in Agartala, India. Let us know what effect this development will have on the relations between India and Bangladesh.
Situation in Bangladesh
There have been massive protests in Bangladesh for some time on the issue of reservation. This series of protests turned into widespread public anger against the government of Sheikh Hasina. On 5 August 2024, the protesters surrounded the Prime Minister’s residence and demonstrated violently. The army had to intervene to bring the situation under control and eventually Sheikh Hasina had to resign.
Army Chief General Walker-uz-Zaman announced that he would form an interim government in collaboration with political parties. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina left the country and took refuge in India. A curfew is currently in force in Bangladesh and the army has taken steps to normalize the situation.
Impact on India-Bangladesh relations
Relations between India and Bangladesh have always been important. Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, India and Bangladesh have worked on many important projects and agreements. Sheikh Hasina prioritized relations with India and increased cooperation in trade, security and strategic matters between the two countries.
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the army coming under control may affect India-Bangladesh relations. India has invested heavily in Bangladesh and trade and strategic relations between the two countries are strong. India will have to re-establish its relations with the new army government.
China’s influence
China’s influence in Bangladesh is also important. In the last few years, China has invested heavily in Bangladesh and has made efforts to connect Bangladesh under its Belt and Road project. Sheikh Hasina gave importance to relations with India even while strengthening relations with China.
The coming of the military government can increase China’s influence. If the new government of Bangladesh shows more inclination towards China, then it can be a challenge for India. India will have to rethink its strategy and take new steps to maintain relations with its neighboring country.
Political scenario and challenges
After the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the political situation of Bangladesh has become unstable. Sheikh Hasina carried out many reforms during her tenure and took the country towards economic progress, but questions were also raised on her way of governance. Her tough attitude on the opposition, media and civil society had reduced her popularity.
After her resignation, the economic condition of Bangladesh will also be affected. The country is still trying to recover from the effects of the Kovid-19 pandemic and is on the verge of becoming a developing economy. The new government will have to face these challenges and re-establish the economic and political stability of the country.
Sheikh Hasina: Early Life and Education
Sheikh Hasina, as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has led her country to new heights of progress and development. Born on 28 September 1947, she is the daughter of the founder of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable achievements in economic, social and political fields.
Sheikh Hasina was born in a political family from where she got the opportunity to learn the basics of politics. She received her early education in Dhaka and later studied in renowned universities of India for her higher education. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, played an important role in the independence struggle of Bangladesh and became the first President of the country.
Political career
Sheikh Hasina started her political career in 1981, when she was elected President of the Bangladesh Awami League. Under her leadership, the Awami League faced many political challenges and came to power for the first time in 1996 by winning the elections. Her first term as Prime Minister lasted from 1996 to 2001, during which she implemented various reformist policies.
In 2009, Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister again and since then she has implemented many important schemes and projects. During her tenure, Bangladesh has made significant progress in the areas of economic growth, education, healthcare and women’s rights.
