Tariq Rahman’s victory in Bangladesh: ‘No Delhi’ Slogan and new challenges of India-Bangladesh relations

Tarique Rahman Bangladesh Victory Impact: After the election results of Bangladesh, Tariq Rahman led BNP is all set to take power. The party used the slogan ‘Neither Delhi, nor Pindi’ in its campaign. By giving the slogan he had indicated his independent foreign policy. This victory has raised new questions on the decades-long strategic equations between India and Bangladesh.

slogan of independent foreign policy

Tariq Rehman made it clear during the election campaign that his government will not be under the influence of any country. He said “Bangladesh first” Adopting the policy of maintaining distance from both Delhi and Rawalpindi. Experts believe that this stance can be a big step towards re-examining old agreements with India.

Old disputes with India

BNP believes that there are imbalances in many of the agreements made during Sheikh Hasina’s time which now need to be reset for bilateral interests. In this, the issue of equitable distribution of Teesta river water is most prominent, on which BNP supports the International Water Convention. The party has made it clear that they will first protect the interests of the people of their country and only then take the relations forward.

extradition of sheikh hasina

BNP has a very tough stance on Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India, and they are demanding her extradition. Senior party leaders say that it is very important to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh for the ongoing legal cases against her. This issue can become a major cause of diplomatic tension between the Modi government and the new Bangladeshi government in the coming times.

Islam and Jamaat in politics

In Tariq Rehman’s rallies, religious slogans and slogans like ‘Allah Hi Malik Hai’ were raised. Such statements have decided the direction of his future politics. The growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, which won more than 75 seats, has also become a major security concern for India. Experts are fearing that under the pressure of right-wing ideology, the new government may be inclined towards anti-India sentiments.

Also read: BNP’s landslide victory: Tariq Rahman will become the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, know when the swearing-in will take place

Historical mistrust and challenges

Some BNP leaders ignore India’s important role in the 1971 liberation war, which increases mistrust between the two countries. In the past too, relations with India had seen a lot of ups and downs and security tensions during the coalition governments of BNP and Jamaat. Now it remains to be seen how Tariq Rehman is able to balance relations with India amidst the constraints of trade and geography.