India Likely to Welcome Sheikh Hasina’s Stay Amid Political Turmoil

Sheikh Hasina, a long-time ally of India, is likely to receive a favorable consideration from the Indian government if she wishes to stay in the country, said a former high commissioner of India to Bangladesh on Tuesday. This statement follows Hasina’s arrival at Hindon airbase near Delhi on Monday, en route to London. Her resignation as Bangladesh’s prime minister came after weeks of intense anti-government protests that resulted in nearly 600 fatalities.

Hasina’s journey to London has encountered complications, leading to her indefinite stay in India for the next few days. Veena Sikri, a former Indian envoy to Bangladesh, emphasized India’s historical support for the people of Bangladesh and expressed confidence that the Indian government would view Hasina’s stay favorably given her significant contributions to India-Bangladesh relations.

Sikri highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and the Awami League, dating back to the 1971 Liberation War. She recalled how India and the Awami League, alongside the Muktijodha, fought together for Bangladesh’s liberation. This history has fostered a strong bond of empathy, mutual respect, and understanding between the two nations.

During her exile following the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader and former prime minister of Bangladesh, in 1975, Hasina resided in India for an extended period. Sikri noted that Hasina’s previous stay in India, coupled with her longstanding friendship with Indian leaders and citizens, would likely facilitate a positive response from the Indian government regarding her current situation.

Despite Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh, her presence in India is not expected to disrupt diplomatic relations with the new political dispensation in Bangladesh. Sikri assured that India maintains open channels of communication with all political parties in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-i-Islami. This practice of engaging with diverse political entities ensures the continuity of diplomatic ties irrespective of the prevailing political landscape.

Pankaj Saran, another seasoned diplomat and former envoy to Bangladesh, noted that current political unrest in Bangladesh involves various factions leveraging student grievances for political gains. Sikri concurred, suggesting that a genuine student movement would have likely dissipated after the government’s initial response to their demands.

As the situation in Bangladesh remains unstable, the future of India-Bangladesh relations will hinge on mutual respect, understanding, and sensitivity to each other’s interests. Sikri expressed optimism about the resilience and adaptability of the bilateral relationship, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation.

In summary, Sheikh Hasina’s potential extended stay in India underscores the robust diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. The Indian government’s favorable consideration of her presence reflects a longstanding tradition of support and solidarity. As both nations navigate the complexities of political change, their  shared history and mutual interests will continue to guide their diplomatic engagements.

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