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History of Bangladesh Himel Hossain author
Typology: Summaries
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during the Liberation War in 1971: Its aspect and present impact.
Introduction The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 remains one of the most defining moments in South Asian history. India’s intervention—militarily, diplomatically, and humanitarianly— was pivotal in securing Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Over five decades later, the legacy of 1971 continues to shape the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh. This assignment explores the historical aspects of India’s role in 1971 and analyzes how this shared history influences contemporary ties, emphasizing economic collaboration, strategic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and unresolved challenges. Historical Background: The Road to Liberation Political Marginalization of East Pakistan After the partition of India in 1947, East Pakistan (present- day Bangladesh) faced systemic neglect under West Pakistan’s dominance. Despite contributing 60% of Pakistan’s export earnings through jute and tea, East Pakistan received only 25–30% of development funds. Linguistic and cultural suppression further alienated Bengalis, who resisted Urdu’s imposition as the sole national language. The 1970 Elections and Crackdown The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in Pakistan’s 1970 general elections, securing 167 of 169 seats in East Pakistan. However, West Pakistan’s military junta refused to transfer power. On March
secured Dhaka in 13 days, forcing Pakistan’s surrender on December 16.
2. Diplomatic Campaign ● Global Advocacy : Indira Gandhi embarked on a global tour to rally support, highlighting Pakistan’s atrocities. The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship (August 1971) ensured USSR’s veto at the UN Security Council, countering U.S.-China backing for Pakistan. ● Recognition of Bangladesh : On December 6, 1971, India became the first country to recognize Bangladesh, legitimizing its struggle internationally. 3. Humanitarian Aid ● Refugee Relief : India spent over $1 billion (in 1971 value) to house refugees, with NGOs like the Red Cross and Ramakrishna Mission aiding medical and food supplies. ● Cultural Solidarity : West Bengal’s artists, writers, and filmmakers (e.g., Satyajit Ray) organized fundraisers and awareness campaigns, reflecting shared Bengali identity. Post-1971: Evolution of India-Bangladesh Relations Initial Challenges (1972–1990) ● Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1975) : Bangladesh’s shift to military rule under Ziaur Rahman strained ties, as his regime promoted Islamization and sought closer links with China and Pakistan. ● Border Disputes : The unresolved enclave issue ( Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India) and illegal migration fueled distrust.
Resurgence of Ties (1990–Present) The restoration of democracy in Bangladesh in 1991, followed by Sheikh Hasina’s rise in 1996 and 2009, revitalized relations. Hasina’s government prioritized secularism, counter-terrorism, and regional connectivity with India. Contemporary India-Bangladesh Relations
1. Economic Collaboration ● Trade and Investment : o Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia , with bilateral trade rising from 2.7billionin2010to∗∗2.7 billionin 2010 to ∗∗ 18 billion in 2022–23**. o Key Indian exports: cotton, machinery, cereals. o Key Bangladeshi exports: textiles, jute, seafood. o Indian companies like Reliance, Airtel, and Marico have invested over $3 billion in Bangladesh’s energy, telecom, and FMCG sectors. ● Infrastructure and Connectivity : o Maitri Setu Bridge : Opened in 2021, connecting Sabroom (Tripura) to Ramgarh (Bangladesh), boosting Northeast India’s access to Chittagong Port. o Transit Agreements : Bangladesh allows Indian cargo to use its ports (Mongla, Chittagong) and roads, reducing transport costs by 30%.
o Popularity of Bengali cinema (e.g., Bangladeshi films like Aynabaji screened in Kolkata). ● Educational Exchanges : o Over 1,000 Bangladeshi students study in India annually under scholarships like ICCR. o Dhaka University and Jadavpur University collaborate on research. ● Tourism and Pilgrimage : o Simplified visa regimes for medical tourists (e.g., 3. lakh Bangladeshis visited India for healthcare in 2022). o The Maitree Express and Bandhan Express trains facilitate cross-border travel. Persisting Challenges
1. Water-Sharing Disputes ● Teesta River : A 2011 draft agreement to share waters (India 42.5%, Bangladesh 37.5%) remains stalled due to West Bengal’s objections. ● Tipaimukh Dam : Bangladesh fears the Manipur-based dam will disrupt the Surma-Kushiyara rivers. 2. Border Management ● Illegal Migration : An estimated 3–5 million undocumented Bangladeshis reside in India, inflaming political debates (e.g., Assam’s NRC). ● Border Killings : Despite a 2020 pledge to halt shootings, 23 Bangladeshis died in 2022 at the hands of India’s Border Security Force.
3. Political Sensitivities ● CAA-NRC Controversy : Bangladesh criticized India’s 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act for branding migrants as “illegal.” ● China Factor : Bangladesh’s deepening ties with China (e.g., Belt and Road projects) occasionally test India’s patience. India's Stance During the 2024 July Revolution The political landscape in Bangladesh underwent significant turmoil in July 2024, leading to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India's response to this upheaval was characterized by caution, strategic interests, and a commitment to regional stability. 1. Immediate Response and Refuge to Sheikh Hasina Amid escalating protests and violence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and sought refuge in India. The Indian government, adhering to its historical precedent of providing asylum to political figures, granted her entry. This move was consistent with India's past actions, such as offering refuge to the Dalai Lama in 1959. However, India's Ministry of External Affairs maintained a cautious stance, emphasizing the situation as Bangladesh's internal affair and expressing hope for a peaceful resolution.
interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. India's role during this period was marked by:
1. Support for Democratic Processes India expressed support for a peaceful transition to democracy in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of constitutional norms and the rule of law. This stance aligned with India's broader foreign policy objective of promoting democratic values in the region. 2. Addressing Communal Tensions The post-revolution period saw incidents of violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. India condemned these attacks and called for the protection of minorities, reflecting its concern for the well-being of culturally and religiously linked communities. This advocacy was crucial in prompting the interim Bangladeshi government to take measures to safeguard minority rights. The Path Ahead: Opportunities for Synergy 1. Climate Resilience : Joint management of cyclones and floods in the Bay of Bengal region. 2. Digital Partnership : Expanding collaboration in IT, fintech, and cybersecurity.
