India Must Enhance Border Vigilance Amid Bangladesh Turmoil, Says Former Envoy

Amid political turmoil in Bangladesh, a former Indian high commissioner to Dhaka has warned that India must remain vigilant on the border. Pankaj Saran, who served as India's envoy to Bangladesh when the Land Boundary Agreement was ratified in 2015, stated that New Delhi will be ready for any situation. "We will just have to wait for different political forces to kind of find some equilibrium inside Bangladesh," he said.

Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations

India and Bangladesh share a 4,096.7 km border, the longest land boundary India has with any neighbour. Saran noted that the current unrest could lead to trouble at the border and potential anti-India sentiments. "We have to be alert on the border to make sure this does not lead to movement of any people from Bangladesh to India... We will have to be very vigilant on the border," he emphasised.

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina, 76, as prime minister of Bangladesh amid mass protests has escalated tensions. Thousands of protesters looted and vandalised her official residence in Dhaka. Saran mentioned that the government had been struggling to control the unrest for weeks, and recent days saw an escalation in protests. "The situation reached a point where it was clear that curfews and other restrictions were not adequate," he said.

Economic Implications

Saran highlighted that the longer the unrest continues, the more it will impact Bangladesh's economy, which is closely integrated with India's economy. He predicted a further economic downturn in Bangladesh but remained hopeful that things would eventually settle down. "Once things settle down, and it may take a few months... we will just have to wait for different political forces to kind of find some equilibrium inside Bangladesh," he explained.

The former envoy also pointed out that while government-to-government relations will be affected, people-to-people relations and trade will continue. However, he stressed that it would not be business as usual. "We will not go back to business as usual," Saran underlined.

Political Dynamics

Saran observed that there is currently a power vacuum being filled by the Army, which has announced an interim government. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether this development will halt street protests and reduce violence. "There is a power vacuum right now which is being filled by the Army," he noted.

He also mentioned that political forces are using student grievances as an opportunity to settle scores. "This is a new Bangladesh, a new generation that has come and their mentality is very different from the Bangladesh of 40 years or 30 years ago," he said.

Reflecting on past achievements, Saran stated that India and Bangladesh had accomplished much under Hasina's leadership. He expressed hope for continued good relations between the two countries despite the current crisis. "I am sure we will be prepared for all eventualities," he added.

Saran concluded by saying that everyone in Dhaka understands the importance of maintaining good relations with India. However, he cautioned that it is too early to predict how things will unfold. "Right now it is a crisis moment," he said.