Hindutva’s Decline in India Emboldens Bangladeshis, Erodes Modi’s Clout in Dhaka: Dr. Shafqat
Expert Predicts New Power Balance in South Asia After Fall of Hasina-Led Government
Islamabad; Hindutva’s Decline in India Emboldens Bangladeshis, Erodes Modi’s Clout in Dhaka: Dr. Shafqat, Dr. Shafqat Munir, a research fellow at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and a specialist on South Asian Affairs, believes that the fall of the Hasina Wajid-led government in Bangladesh will lead to a new power balance in South Asia. This shift will strengthen the regional initiative for peace, development, and prosperity among Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan.
Dr. Munir attributes Hasina’s downfall to her authoritarian politics, pro-Indian stance, and failure to maintain the heroism of her late father. He notes that three generations of Bangladeshis have been alienated by her policies: those who lived in united Pakistan, those who grew up in Bangladesh with some bitterness towards the past, and the young generation without the baggage of history.
The expert shares his experience of interacting with these generations, stating that a majority of them disagree with Bangladesh’s tilt towards India and instead favor stronger ties with Pakistan. He argues that Hasina’s reliance on Indian security and Modi’s stature has been counterproductive, especially after the decline of Hindutva in India.
Dr. Munir accuses Modi of using Hasina to derail the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and predicts that the new power dynamics will help revive SAARC with India no longer being a spoiler power. He hopes that the caretaker government and leading political parties in Bangladesh will ensure democracy is restored and that trade with Pakistan will improve.
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The expert also notes that the protesters in Bangladesh hoisted the Pakistani flag, indicating a desire to reconnect with Pakistan and reduce Indian influence. He believes that India is losing its grip on the region and that Modi’s weakening stance will have serious security concerns.
Dr. Munir concludes that South Asians are inherently democratic and liberal people and that the region will stabilize when it returns to its original values.
