India-Bangladesh ties will strengthen with Sheikh Hasina’s return
Joyeeta Bhattacharjee, Senior Fellow with ORF’s Neighbourhood Regional Studies Initiative/ORF(Observer Research Foundation)
Sheikh Hasina Sought Votes On ‘Development’
Development of Bangladesh has been Sheikh Hasina’s chief electoral plank. The present victory is described as a mandate of the people in support of development.
The economy of the country has been growing at above 6 percent steadily for almost for a decade. To further fast track the pace of development, Sheikh Hasina government undertook various infrastructure projects. During electoral campaigning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought vote with the pledge of transforming Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041.
With the polls over it will be action time for Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina. Along with economic development, people of Bangladesh aspire to have a vibrant liberal democratic order. During the last tenure of Hasina, there have been allegations of human rights violations and constraining of freedom of expression. The government needs to take account of such claims since this might embolden the radical elements to infiltrate the political space due to lack of opposition in the country. For the growth of democracy, it will be crucial to develop the institutions for wider debate and discussion on the issues of national importance.
What Does Sheikh Hasina’s Return Mean For India?
Bangladesh being its close neighbour, India has been closely watching the election. Bangladesh is important for India’s security, connectivity to its northeast region, and implementing its Act East Policy. Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have grown strong steadily whenever the Awami League comes into power. This relationship has traditionally fluctuated with the change of the ruling party in Bangladesh. India should work on strengthening its ties with Bangladesh and stress further on connecting with its people by understanding their aspirations and providing necessary support.
To make a positive beginning, it will be pragmatic for India to fulfill the promises made to Bangladesh. The conclusion of the Teesta treaty will be one of the steps. The water-sharing treaty is pending since 2011 due to the objection raised by Mamata Benarjee, chief minister of West Bengal. India should also lay emphasis on connectivity between the two countries and lend support to various infrastructure projects planned in Bangladesh.
Stranded Rohingya refugees are perceived to have security implication in the long run that could potentially impact regional stability. Bangladesh’s efforts in repatriation of the Rohingya have not been successful. Cooperation between the two countries will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the South Asia region.