The ongoing changes in Bangladesh are creating ripples not only within its borders but also across the region. The nature and consequences of these changes, although not fully clear yet, appear detrimental to both Bangladesh and its neighboring countries. Since mid-August 2021, a new global dynamic has been unfolding, with significant upheavals influenced by dominant forces, particularly the United States and its allies.
Contrary to typical movements, the current resistance against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government did not originate from religious or linguistic biases. Instead, it stemmed from dissatisfaction among the youth, military officials, and state employees over the allocation of a 40pc quota for certain groups. This quota system, particularly favoring soldiers’ children, ignited widespread protests. The discontentment, coupled with increasing extremism, signals troubling times ahead for Bangladesh, potentially transforming the country into a military stronghold, reminiscent of the post-1971 era after Pakistan’s partition.
The 1970s witnessed South Asia experiencing a series of trans-formative events, beginning with Pakistan’s division, largely due to misguided policies by its military, especially General Ayub Khan. This period marked significant shifts that primarily benefited the United States, enhancing its influence in the region. Today, similar patterns seem to be reemerging, with the U.S. unwilling to relinquish its strategic gains from the 70s and 80s.
Political crisis is being systematically cultivated in the region
Post-1971, the collapse of Pakistan led to monumental changes in neighboring countries. The imperial regimes in Iran and Afghanistan were overthrown. Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal was assassinated by his nephew, and Egypt’s Anwar Sadat met a similar fate. In Pakistan, on July 5, 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq, despite an existing understanding between the ruling party and the opposition, ousted Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, establishing a regime with the support of conservative religious factions.
Today, with substantial financial and technical backing from the U.S., former Mujahideen, now the Taliban, have seized power in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, a political crisis is being systematically cultivated. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Imran Khan, is seeking power. Despite holding power, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party find their hands tied by the military establishment.
Current crisis is due to the influence of the US and its allies which is spreading across the Asian-and-Gulf countries and beyond
The influence of the United States and its allies extends beyond Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, once a steadfast ally, has lost its credibility. The UAE, Qatar, and other loyalists are investing trillions of dollars, aligning more closely with American interests. Intelligence operations by the U.S. have systematically targeted Iran, asserting control over the Arab world.
Meanwhile, Russia is preoccupied with the Ukraine conflict, reducing its influence in the region. China’s focus remains on economic expansion, aiming to dominate global consumer markets rather than directly confronting the U.S. These geopolitical maneuvers suggest that the instability in Bangladesh could have broader implications for regional politics, particularly for Pakistan.
The internal turmoil in Bangladesh poses significant challenges for the region
The internal turmoil in Bangladesh, largely manipulated by Jamaat-e-Islami and other factions with vested interests, reflects a broader regional strategy. The majority of Bangladeshis regard Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as their true political leader, and state institutions have classified Jamaat-e-Islami’s militant wings, Al-Shams and Al-Badr, as terrorist organizations. Conversely, Pakistan’s political landscape is marked by a long list of alleged traitors, yet leaders like Sher-e-Bangla Maulvi Fazlul Haq and Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy remain revered figures.
In conclusion, the evolving situation in Bangladesh, driven by both internal dissent and external influences, poses significant challenges for the region. The lessons from the past, particularly the events of the 1970s, highlight the importance of regional stability and the risks associated with foreign interventions. As these dynamics continue to unfold, it is crucial for region countries to prioritize their internal stability and contribute to regional peace.
