Khaleda Zia and India: Sometimes deep bitterness, sometimes indifference. Why was Khaleda always entangled with Delhi? – ..

News India Live, Digital Desk: It is not possible to talk about the politics of Bangladesh and not mention its ‘two Begums’ (Khalida Zia and Sheikh Hasina). While on one hand Sheikh Hasina was always inclined towards India, on the other hand, during the era of Khaleda Zia, India-Bangladesh relations saw many dark days. When they are being discussed today, it is also important to open those old files, which tell why the tension with India had increased so much during Khaleda’s rule.

Why did Khaleda become a ‘headache for India’?
The truth is that Khaleda Zia’s politics followed the path of ‘nationalism’ in which opposition to India was used as a major tool. During his tenure, it was clearly felt that Dhaka was more inclined towards Islamabad and fundamentalist forces rather than New Delhi. Political analysts believe that he had strengthened his political ground by fanning anti-India sentiments.

Free hand for extremists in North-East India
The worst period in terms of India’s security was when Khaleda Zia was the Prime Minister and insurgency was at its peak in the north-eastern states of India. It is said that at that time ULFA and other insurgent groups had safe havens on Bangladeshi soil. India kept raising this issue several times, but Khaleda’s government often rejected these allegations outright. For this reason, the lack of trust between the security systems of the two countries could never be bridged.

Increasing danger with the support of radicals
The alliance of Khaleda Zia’s party BNP with fundamentalist organizations like ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ was the biggest cause of concern for India. India has always wanted a secular and democratic structure along its borders, but the rise of fundamentalism under Khaleda’s rule made the problems of instability and illegal infiltration on the borders more serious.

A bitter diplomatic journey
Not only on the security front, but also on river water sharing and trade, talks always remained cold during his era. Even though she was a dignified leader at the personal level, her tenure in the pages of diplomacy is recorded as a ‘difficult period’ for India.

After the demise of Khaleda Zia, today history is remembering her for her strength, but those ‘bitter memories’ still sting somewhere in the common friendship between India and Bangladesh.