{"id":43492,"date":"2025-03-11T07:37:33","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T07:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/?p=43492"},"modified":"2025-03-11T14:00:05","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T14:00:05","slug":"bangladeshs-political-shift-a-new-era-of-opportunities-for-pakistan-by-engr-hamza-mehboob","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/bangladeshs-political-shift-a-new-era-of-opportunities-for-pakistan-by-engr-hamza-mehboob\/","title":{"rendered":"Bangladesh\u2019s Political Shift : A New Era of Opportunities for Pakistan – by: Engr. Hamza Mehboob"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"\"Engr. Hamza Mehboob<\/strong>
\nengrsheryar96@gmail.com<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"The downfall of the pro-India government in Bangladesh and the removal of Sheikh Hasina Wajid mark a significant political shift in South Asia. For the past 15 years, Hasina\u2019s rule allowed India excessive influence over Bangladesh\u2019s domestic and foreign policies, severely compromising the country’s sovereignty.<\/p>\n

Relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh remained strained during this period. However, with the new political reality, Pakistan now has an opportunity to reshape its ties with Bangladesh through diplomacy, trade, defense, and security cooperation, thus establishing a new geopolitical balance in the region.<\/p>\n

Pakistan-Bangladesh relations have been marked by fluctuation ever since the 1971 tragedy. Diplomatic relations were established soon after, but true warmth never developed. Pakistan formally recognized Bangladesh in 1974 during the Islamic Summit Conference in Lahore, but tensions persisted, largely due to India\u2019s interference.<\/p>\n

After Sheikh Hasina came to power, an anti-Pakistan narrative was promoted by the state. Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami were executed on charges of collaborating with Pakistan in 1971, and India was granted major privileges in trade, defense, and politics. Consequently, Bangladesh increasingly became a strategic ally of India, and relations with Pakistan soured further.<\/p>\n

Under Hasina\u2019s 15-year rule, pro-India policies were cemented, while the anti-Pakistan narrative was reinforced. In 2010, her government set up a “War Crimes Tribunal” to target those who had supported Pakistan in 1971.<\/p>\n

Many Jamaat-e-Islami leaders were executed on accusations of war crimes, though the trials were condemned internationally as unjust. The executions aimed to eliminate pro-Pakistan sentiment in Bangladesh, with India playing an active role in these judicial processes.<\/p>\n

Hasina worked actively to worsen relations with Pakistan. Controversial narratives about the 1971 war were promoted, Pakistani diplomats faced harassment, and some were forced to leave the country. Unofficial restrictions were placed on Pakistani goods, while anti-Pakistan sentiment was fostered among the public.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, relations with India were strengthened to an extraordinary degree, granting India extensive influence over Bangladesh\u2019s defense, economy, diplomacy, and intelligence. In 2017, Bangladesh signed a $500 million defense deal with India, increasing its dependence on Indian weaponry, while Indian companies gained considerable access to the Bangladeshi market, undermining local industries.<\/p>\n

Sheikh Hasina allowed India to gain unrestricted access to Bangladesh\u2019s land and water routes. As a result, India exploited agreements like the Teesta Deal, benefiting itself at Bangladesh\u2019s expense.<\/p>\n

Pakistan in the World \u2013 Aug \/ Sep 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n