Assam: SHARE Think Tank Recommends Strategic Policy Actions for India Amid Bangladesh Crisis
Guwahati, August 19, 2024: In the wake of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ousting and her subsequent flight from the country on August 5, 2024, the Society to Harmonise Aspirations for Responsible Engagement (SHARE), a prominent think tank focusing on Northeast India (NEI), has outlined a series of strategic policy recommendations for India. The recommendations, aimed at guiding India’s response to the current instability in Bangladesh, were presented at a high-level meeting held in Guwahati on August 18.
Comprising seasoned experts on Bangladesh and Northeast India, SHARE’s leadership includes Chairperson Radha Krishna Mathur, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita (retd.), Nazeeb Arif, Dr. Samudra Gupta Kashyap, and Subimal Bhattacharjee. These experts, with extensive experience in diplomacy, security, and regional economic relations, gathered to assess the implications of the recent upheaval in Bangladesh, which saw the dissolution of its parliament and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The revolution that toppled Hasina’s 15-year government began as a student-led protest against a controversial quota system and quickly escalated into a nationwide movement. The current interim government, while working to stabilize the nation, faces significant challenges, including managing foreign relations and addressing internal unrest. Recognizing the potential impacts on India, particularly in its Northeast region, SHARE has called for a proactive and multifaceted approach.
Key Recommendations by SHARE:
- Mobilize International Support: SHARE urged India to spearhead efforts in mobilizing international support for Bangladesh’s interim government. Leveraging its diplomatic influence, India should foster cooperation among various Bangladeshi stakeholders, including opposition parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to prevent potential refugee crises and ensure stability in the Northeast.
- Revive and Expand Border Haats: Emphasizing the importance of cross-border economic interaction, SHARE recommended the revival and expansion of the Border Haats, which have remained inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic. These markets are crucial for local trade and economic engagement between India and Bangladesh, particularly in the border regions.
- Strengthen People-to-People Connections: To counter any growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, SHARE proposed enhancing people-to-people connections through sports and cultural exchanges. Such initiatives are seen as vital in building goodwill and improving bilateral relations at a grassroots level.
- Economic Aid and Youth Engagement: SHARE highlighted the necessity for India to offer substantial economic aid to help Bangladesh recover from the current crisis, including inflation and unemployment. The think tank also recommended increasing educational and employment opportunities for Bangladeshi youth in India through training programs and scholarships, which would support economic stability and strengthen ties between the two nations.
- Promote Regional Cooperation: The think tank stressed the importance of maintaining open dialogue with Bangladesh and collaborating in regional forums such as the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Initiative. These platforms are essential for addressing shared challenges, including climate change and regional connectivity.
- Enhance Defense Cooperation: Recognizing the critical role of security in stabilizing Bangladesh, SHARE advocated for the strengthening of defense cooperation and the advancement of existing military collaborations. This approach is viewed as pivotal in rebuilding a stable and healthy relationship between India and Bangladesh.
SHARE’s comprehensive recommendations reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between Bangladesh’s stability and the security and prosperity of India’s Northeast region. As the situation in Bangladesh continues to evolve, India’s strategic response, guided by these insights, will be crucial in maintaining regional stability and fostering long-term cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
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