Recently, a parliamentary panel on external affairs received insights from experts regarding the Bangladesh Army, particularly in comparison to the Pakistan Army. The experts suggested that the Bangladesh Army is not as radical as Pakistan’s. This assessment comes amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region and increased scrutiny of Bangladesh's internal affairs.
The experts, including former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, retired Army General Syed Ata Hasnain, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das, and Dean of the School of International Studies (JNU) Amitabh Mattoo, briefed the Standing Committee on the "Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship". Their analysis provides a nuanced perspective on the role and character of the Bangladesh Army, acknowledging its complex history and current position.
Several factors contribute to this assessment. Unlike the Pakistan Army, which has a history of direct political interference through coups and extended periods of rule, the Bangladesh Army has largely refrained from overt political intervention since the beginning of the 21st century. While the Bangladesh military has led coups in the past, it doesn't have a formal role in government currently. This difference in historical engagement shapes the present-day perception of the two forces.
Moreover, experts suggest that the Bangladesh Army, while predominantly Muslim, maintains a focus on professional and national objectives rather than religious ideology. This distinction is crucial in understanding why it is considered less radicalized compared to its Pakistani counterpart. However, it is also acknowledged that some officers may harbor Islamic views and desire closer ties with Pakistan.
Despite these differences, the relationship between the Bangladesh Army and India remains complex. Some analysts point out that the bonhomie between the Bangladesh and Pakistan Armies has historically been stronger than that between the Bangladesh and Indian Armies. This is attributed to the shared political DNA and historical ties dating back to when Bangladesh was East Pakistan.
The panel also addressed the growing influence of China in Bangladesh. It was noted that China is making significant headway through infrastructure development, such as building ports and airbases. This increasing Chinese presence is a strategic concern for India, which needs to maintain and strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh. To this end, experts have suggested that India should create stakes in Bangladesh and engage through people-to-people contact.
Furthermore, the experts emphasized the importance of understanding the new power structure in Bangladesh and moving beyond past relationships to engage with the current ruling dispensation, including the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. They also highlighted the crucial role of the media in fostering a positive bond between the two countries, noting that recent media portrayals have sometimes been negative.
The discussion took place against a backdrop of political instability and rising radicalization in Bangladesh. Following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government, there have been increased incidents of violence and unrest, with Islamist forces exploiting the situation. This has led to concerns about the safety and security of religious minorities and the overall stability of the country. The Bangladesh Army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, has warned against these fissiparous Islamist forces, indicating the military's awareness and concern regarding the internal threats.
In light of these challenges, the experts underscored the need for India to remain vigilant and proactive in its engagement with Bangladesh. This includes addressing trade-related tensions, enhancing cooperation across trade, security, and connectivity, and deepening people-to-people ties. By maintaining a balanced diplomatic approach and focusing on long-term regional stability, India can safeguard its mutual interests and contribute to a more secure and prosperous South Asia.
