Mudassir Rizwan
The relationship between India and Bangladesh has evolved significantly over the years. While the two countries share a history of collaboration and support, there has been a noticeable shift in sentiment among the youth in Bangladesh. Growing anti-India sentiments have been fueled by historical grievances, political tensions, and perceived unequal benefits in the partnership. Additionally, recent events and actions by the Indian government, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir and the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, have contributed to the deepening disillusionment among young Bangladeshis. This shift in sentiment has significant implications for the region and calls for a reevaluation of India’s approach to its relationship with Bangladesh.
Over the last decade, a noticeable change has emerged in the political and social mindset of Bangladesh’s youth, leading to a shift in the country’s relationship with India. What was once a close and collaborative partnership has gradually evolved into one marked by skepticism, dissatisfaction, and at times, outright hostility. Anti-India sentiment has surged among younger generations, fueled by historical grievances, contemporary politics, and the growing influence of religious and nationalistic ideologies.
India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971, with its support being instrumental in the success of the Liberation War. In the years following independence, the relationship between the two countries was generally positive due to shared cultural ties, linguistic affinities, and common geopolitical interests. However, issues such as water-sharing disputes, trade imbalances, border security concerns, and accusations of India’s interference in Bangladesh’s domestic politics have strained this relationship over time.
The Awami League government, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, has positioned India as a reliable ally, emphasizing economic cooperation, security collaboration, and regional stability. Despite the government’s official narrative, growing discontent within Bangladesh regarding the nature of the India-Bangladesh relationship is evident. Many believe that the benefits of this alliance have disproportionately favored India, leading to disillusionment among the youth.
Furthermore, events like the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in India have further fueled anti-India sentiments. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) actions and rhetoric against Bangladeshi Muslims have amplified this disillusionment. Additionally, the perception that India has played a role in propping up the Awami League government through its influence over elections and internal politics has alienated many young Bangladeshis.
While historical animosities between Bangladesh and Pakistan run deep due to the atrocities of the 1971 Liberation War, a curious shift has occurred in recent years. Pakistan has seen a resurgence in its appeal among the post-71 Bangladeshi youth due to its growing engagement with the Muslim world and its resistance to Indian influence. The influence of social media and the Pakistani media and entertainment industry has also contributed to this shift in perceptions.
The rise of Islamic forces in Bangladesh, along with the increased influence of Islamist political parties and religious groups critical of India’s treatment of its Muslim population, has further deepened the anti-India sentiment among the youth. This shift has profound implications not only for Bangladesh but for the entire South Asian region, signaling the need for India to recalibrate its approach to Bangladesh in light of this growing disillusionment.
