Sheikh Hasina, the long-standing Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been in power for over a decade, with her regime marked by increasing authoritarianism. Despite being hailed by some as a steadfast leader who has overseen economic growth and development in Bangladesh, her critics see her governance as one tainted by political maneuvering, suppression of opposition, and an erosion of democratic freedoms. Hasina’s ability to maintain her grip on power has raised eyebrows, particularly when one considers the allegations that her political survival has been propped up by New Delhi. Critics, both within Bangladesh and abroad, argue that India’s backing has allowed Hasina to sideline opposition voices and cement her political power through controversial means, leading many to call for her return to face justice for the alleged human rights violations committed during her tenure.
Political Repression
Hasina’s tenure has been accompanied by a growing authoritarian crackdown on dissent. The 2018 elections, which returned Hasina to power, were marred by accusations of electoral fraud and widespread repression. The opposition, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was subjected to severe measures during the run-up to the elections. Thousands of BNP activists were jailed, and Khaleda Zia, the main opposition leader and former Prime Minister, was sidelined politically through a court case that led to her imprisonment. Many Bangladeshis view these actions as part of a deliberate strategy to weaken the opposition and ensure Hasina’s continued rule.
The 2018 elections saw Hasina and her Awami League party winning by a landslide, but the victory was quickly overshadowed by allegations of voter intimidation, rigged ballots, and a deeply compromised electoral process. Critics argue that India’s quick congratulatory message to Hasina and her party, despite these widespread allegations, sent a signal that New Delhi was complicit in endorsing her controversial return to power. For many Bangladeshis, India’s role in shielding Hasina from international criticism of her authoritarian methods is a reminder of the growing influence India has had over Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
India’s Role in Supporting Hasina’s Regime
One of the central points of contention in the Bangladesh-India relationship under Hasina’s leadership has been the perception that New Delhi has supported her regime to maintain its strategic interests in the region. India’s economic and security cooperation with Bangladesh under Hasina’s leadership has been significant. From opening vital waterways for Indian trade to facilitating lucrative Indian business deals, Hasina’s government has extended significant favors to India, which some view as a quid pro quo for political support. India has also been a major player in Bangladesh’s security, particularly in combating insurgent groups in the northeast of India that allegedly operate in the border areas of Bangladesh.
However, the extent of India’s intervention in Bangladesh’s domestic politics has raised serious concerns. International human rights organizations, including the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have criticized Hasina’s use of the Digital Security Act. Initially framed as a tool to tackle cybercrime and enhance national security, the law has been repeatedly used to silence critics, journalists, and opposition leaders. A 2022 OHCHR review found that the Digital Security Act was primarily used to suppress dissent, stifling free speech and political opposition. This, critics argue, is a direct consequence of Hasina’s alignment with New Delhi, which has, at times, overlooked her authoritarian measures for its strategic gain.
Moreover, India’s intelligence agencies, most notably the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), have long been accused of meddling in the internal politics of Bangladesh. In 2015, when Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi for an official visit, she was received by India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, who is widely regarded as a key architect of India’s foreign policy in South Asia. Doval’s relationship with Hasina and his alleged involvement in Bangladesh’s internal affairs only deepens the suspicion that India’s involvement in Bangladesh is not just diplomatic but also part of a broader strategy to maintain a favorable government in Dhaka.
Demand for Accountability
As Bangladeshis grow increasingly frustrated with Hasina’s rule, the demand for accountability continues to grow. The country has seen a surge in public calls for Hasina to return to Bangladesh to face justice for the human rights violations committed under her regime. With accusations ranging from the suppression of political freedoms to the arbitrary detention of opposition leaders, the sentiment among the Bangladeshi public is clear: Hasina must be held accountable for her actions.
Hannah Ellis-Petersen, The Guardian’s correspondent in India, notes that while New Delhi has long supported Hasina’s rule, the shifting political dynamics in India may soon force the Indian government to reckon with the actions of its longtime ally. As India moves towards a more nationalistic and assertive foreign policy, it must consider the domestic implications of its support for Hasina, particularly as the people of Bangladesh increasingly view her as an authoritarian leader beholden to foreign powers.
The recent protests and political rallies across Bangladesh calling for Hasina’s return and accountability are a direct response to the perception that the country’s sovereignty has been undermined by foreign influence. These protests have been fueled not only by a desire for justice but also by the growing realization that Hasina’s alignment with India’s political establishment has come at a cost to Bangladesh’s democracy. The people are demanding not only accountability for the repression carried out during her tenure but also a return to a more democratic and transparent political system.
Implications
The situation in Bangladesh has broader implications for the stability of South Asia. Bangladesh, as one of the region’s most populous and strategically located countries, plays a key role in the regional balance of power. Its relationship with India has historically been one of cooperation, particularly in terms of security and trade. However, the growing disillusionment with Hasina’s government could change the dynamics of this relationship, leading to a shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
As Bangladesh seeks to reclaim its sovereignty and democratic values, it will be interesting to see whether the government shifts its stance towards India. A change in leadership or a shift in political direction could lead to a re-evaluation of Bangladesh’s strategic partnerships, especially with India. For New Delhi, this represents a delicate balancing act: continue to support Hasina, who has been a key ally, or adjust its policy to accommodate a rising wave of political change in Bangladesh.
