The group was allegedly affected by China’s technology and infrastructure. After this, many people now see Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the key to the economic future of Bangladesh. he/she visited top Chinese firms like Byd and Longi. he/she joined China’s modernization campaign. In such a situation, this recent stance of Bangladesh can become a headache for the Modi government.
China is putting on Bangladesh
It should be noted that China has become theoretically agreed to extend the loan repayment of Bangladesh. Dhaka Tribune, according to the report, China is reviewing the request to reduce interest rates. Bangladesh had urged China to reduce interest rates from 2-3% to 1%, waive commitment fee and extend the loan repayment period from preference buyer loans (PBCs) and government concessional loans (GCL) by 20 to 30 years. According to an American think tank American Enterprise Institute (AEI) estimate, China’s total investment in Bangladesh by 2023 will be $ 7.07 billion.
Why is there tension for India?
For India, Bangladesh’s growing inclination towards China-after Sheikh Hasina’s departure-adds another layer of complexity to its regional strategy. According to intelligence sources in the Times of India, Pakistan’s ISI played an important role in the protests due to Hasina’s departure with China’s support in August 2024.
ISI-backed Jamaat-e-Islami and its student Wing, Islamic student Shibir (ICS) allegedly turned the Kota protest into a push for pro-Pakistan, pro-China rule. It received money from Chinese sources in Pakistan. China’s State Security Ministry (MSS) allegedly helped in the effort, which is uncomfortable with Hasina’s India relations.
According to the Times of India report, in the meantime, the Bangladesh chief is scheduled to meet the protesting leaders as the country is looking at the Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus as an interim chief.
Pakistan’s presence worrying
Meanwhile, under a steps with tension to Delhi, a Pakistani cargo ship is set to anchor at Mongla port in Bangladesh. This will be the first time in 53 years. The Economic Times reported that it took place after a government-government deal to import 50,000 metric tonnes of basmati rice from Pakistan. The ship with 25 metric tonnes of rice left from Kasim port of Karachi and will land in Chittagong before going to Mongla.
This development is also notable because the previous Sheikh Hasina government actively strengthened the Indo-Bangladesh connectivity by providing access to Chittagong and Mongla ports. Now that Pakistan has gathered legs, it may be the reason for India to be worried.
More discomfort on the defense front
Increasing this discomfort further, Pakistan’s ISI is allegedly increasing its influence in Bangladesh. In this, diplomats are allegedly working behind the curtains to influence the legal system and pressurize for the release of terrorists. Intelligence reports suggest that ISI-backed groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Islamic students Shibir are promoting fundamentalist networks that can pose a threat to both Bangladesh’s security and regional interests of India.
Recently, Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Najmul Hasan met Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah in Rawalpindi. This was the second high -level defense meeting between the two countries within a month. The visit is being seen as an attempt by the Interim Government of Bangladesh to increase regional defense relations. Earlier, the second number commander of the Bangladesh Army also met Munir in Rawalpindi.
The discussion was allegedly focused on the participation of Bangladesh in naval cooperation and Pakistan -led multinational naval exercise. A section of Bangladesh Army is advocating strong defense cooperation with Pakistan, in which ‘regional stability’ has been described as an important factor.
Last month, ET reported that Pakistan’s army is preparing to start training programs for the Bangladeshi Army. At the same time, there has been an increase in negotiations between the intelligence and defense officials of both sides since Sheikh Hasina was out of power.
More stir in India’s neighborhood?
Bangladesh Chief General Waqar-e-Zaman has warned that the army may intervene if the interim government fails to control law and order and protect the sovereignty of the country, the army can intervene. Speaking at a memorial ceremony in Dhaka, he/she blamed internal discord among stakeholders for the deteriorating situation since August 2024.
While urging the political groups to keep their differences away, he/she warned that continuous differences could endanger the freedom and integrity of Bangladesh. he/she also said that miscreants are taking advantage of instability. This has made it even more challenging to rule. In an important comment, he/she suggested that his/her work is not over yet. he/she indicated that the army could intervene if the situation does not improve.
Increased attacks on religious places in Bangladesh
Since Sheikh Hasina’s withdrawal from power, Sufism and attacks on religious places in Bangladesh have increased. Islamic groups such as Hizb-Ut-Tahrir and Jamaat-e-Islami have allegedly destroyed more than 100 Sufi religious places since the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus last year.
Despite having 12,000 tombs and 17,000 Sufi Dargahs in Bangladesh, the action on the attackers has been very low. There have been only 20 arrests so far. Economic steps, military negotiations, domestic disturbance and intelligence changes, all point towards a changing regional methodology. This can make India’s diplomatic balance more difficult than ever.
