Hasina's downfall rewrites bilaterial dynamics

AWANI

Sheikh Hasina’s removal and recent convictions are reshaping India–Bangladesh relations, as Dhaka pushes New Delhi for her extradition while both countries navigate shifting political dynamics ahead of Bangladesh’s 2026 elections.

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00:00Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had long praised former Bangladesh PM Sheh Hasina

00:05for ensuring security and stability on India's eastern border.

00:10Now with Hasina in exile and convicted on multiple charges, the bilateral dynamic is shifting.

00:17Political scientist Dr Mubasha Hassan of Western Sydney University

00:21calls it a new and uncertain phase in Bangladesh-India relations.

00:25The relationship was mostly premised upon addressing India's security concern.

00:38Many in Bangladesh thought that the relationship was not balanced.

00:43It was heavily tilted towards India.

00:47And Sheh Hasina is kind of perceived as working for India's interest more than Bangladesh's interest.

00:59And we saw many protesters were carrying that placard and festoons which were written

01:10and indicating the Hasina being too much favourable towards Modi.

01:21Now with Hasina's departure, we'll see that there will be much more cold relationship between both states.

01:34Bangladesh's entering government is demanding India to extradite Hasina,

01:39calling continued refuge a disregard for justice,

01:42pointing to competing pressures within India's security and foreign policy.

01:45There is a strong lobby within India's security sector and India's foreign policy establishment

01:54that supports Chek Hasina, nevertheless.

01:57There's a historic reasons behind that.

02:02Having said that, there are also establishments within India's foreign policy

02:08and India's security establishment that argues a more pragmatic approach.

02:16It will depend on, eventually, on the political leadership,

02:22like how India's Northern Modi view it.

02:26But it is unlikely, the way India is giving indicators,

02:32it is unlikely that Chek Hasina would be handed over to Bangladesh soon.

02:39Despite the political turbulence, Mubashar says neither country can afford a breakdown in ties.

02:45Bangladesh is India's largest trading partner in South Asia,

02:48and security cooperation remains key along their border.

02:51I would see continuity of normal relationship between India and Bangladesh.

03:01I would not expect a conflicting type of scenario between India and Bangladesh.

03:11The reason is both India and Bangladesh cannot afford it.

03:15Bangladesh should not be able to irritate India because there are a lot of things at this stake.

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