Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, has said that India will be closely monitoring developments in the neighboring country following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst anti-government protests. He noted that New Delhi looks forward to working with the new government in Bangladesh.
He remarked that the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, amid protests that turned violent, is a significant development and could lead to a period of uncertainty in Bangladesh, which would not be favorable for the region.
“Political leaders change, but the countries have long-term interests which will not go away. Bangladesh is a neighbor with which we have had good relations. If you look at the history of India’s relations with Bangladesh, we have dealt with every government, including military dictators. We will continue to engage with Bangladesh as it is an important country for us. India will look forward to working with whichever new government comes to power in Bangladesh,” Chakravarty told ANI.
Responding to reports of Sheikh Hasina leaving her official residence in Dhaka, Chakravarty noted that the government was under significant pressure.
“This pressure and the mounting demonstrations clearly put the government under strain. The Army, which is a powerful institution in that country, must have intervened in some way. If it is true that she has resigned, they likely told her that the situation was untenable… It is a major event in Bangladesh, and we will see a new kind of government there. This is also not good for the region. India will be watching closely to see what happens next,” he said.
He emphasized that Bangladesh is an important country for India and that “we have a lot to do” with the neighboring country. He noted that there are various possibilities for government formation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman said earlier on Monday that Sheikh Hasina had resigned from the post of Prime Minister and an interim government would be formed. He stated that ‘all murders will be judged.’ In a televised address, the Army Chief called on people to trust the army and refrain from violence.
“Maintain peace and order in the country. Trust me, let’s work together. Please help; we won’t gain anything by fighting. Avoid conflict. We have built a beautiful country together,” the Army Chief said.
(With ANI Inputs)
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