India's Warning to Sheikh Hasina on Army Chief Appointment Proves Prophetic

India's warning to Sheikh Hasina about appointing pro-China General Waker-us-Zaman as Bangladesh Army Chief proved prophetic as he ousted her from power. This development may lead to increased Islamist influence in Bangladesh and poses challenges for India's regional stability, prompting a need for enhanced security measures.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's decision to appoint General Waker-us-Zaman as Army Chief in June 2023, despite warnings from Indian officials about his pro-China leanings, has seemingly led to her downfall. Reports suggest that top Indian officials had alerted Hasina to Gen Zaman's proclivities before his appointment on June 23, 2023.

Rather than quelling rising youth protests, Gen Zaman reportedly issued an ultimatum to Hasina to flee the country with her sister. The military junta's subsequent release of BNP leader Khaleda Zia indicates that Islamist organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatrashibir may now take center stage in Bangladesh's radical politics.

Interestingly, Hasina had expressed reluctance to contest the January 2024 general elections as early as April 2023, only agreeing after persuasion from supporters. Aware of the threats from Islamists and Western regime change agents, Hasina reportedly did not want any family members to succeed her, fearing for their lives.

The Modi government is expected to stand by India's friend in the neighborhood, leaving the decision of political asylum in a third country to Hasina. Meanwhile, Bangladesh faces potential economic crisis, similar to Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, requiring support from Western-backed financial institutions.

Also Read: Violent Protests in Bangladesh Turn Deadly, Hindu Councillor Among 100 Killed

Hasina's exit poses challenges for India, now facing an increasingly unstable neighborhood. While the Modi government may offer support to stabilize Bangladesh's interim government, anti-Hasina supporters in the West might set their own anti-India agenda in motion.

With political turmoil in most neighboring countries except Bhutan, India's best option may be to insulate itself from cross-border challenges through enhanced security, advanced intelligence, and by addressing internal challenges.