Amid escalating protests in Bangladesh, the Maitree Express, a symbol of India-Bangladesh friendship, remains stuck in Dhaka. Rising anti-India sentiments and political instability complicate bilateral relations.
New Delhi:India’s relationship with Bangladesh faces renewed challenges as the country grapples with widespread protests, leading to the Maitree Express, a crucial train service linking Kolkata and Dhaka, being stranded in Dhaka. The situation has escalated tensions, fueled by anti-India sentiments promoted by extremist groups amid governance issues in Bangladesh.
The Maitree Express, which resumed service in 2008 after a lengthy hiatus, found itself in Dhaka just as protests erupted. Initially sparked by various internal grievances, these demonstrations, primarily led by students, call for political reform and economic stability. The timing of the train’s arrival coincided with the unrest, prompting Indian authorities to act swiftly. Though the train reached its destination under tight security, the deteriorating situation led to the decision to evacuate its staff, including locomotive crews, who were flown back to India, leaving the train itself stranded indefinitely.
India is taking a cautious stance, adopting a “wait-and-watch” approach while monitoring developments in Bangladesh closely. Officials acknowledge that the ongoing unrest, particularly the rising anti-India sentiment, complicates matters. Fundamentalist factions are leveraging the political turmoil to stoke hostilities against India, further straining diplomatic relations.
Despite the tensions, India continues its humanitarian support to Bangladesh, particularly in food supplies. Recognizing the potential for further instability if essential goods are disrupted, Indian officials are focused on maintaining goodwill among the Bangladeshi populace. They are aware that cutting off food supplies could lead to increased cross-border movement by Bangladeshis seeking basic necessities, a scenario India is keen to avoid. This ongoing assistance reflects India’s broader strategy of fostering positive relations despite current challenges.
The political landscape in Bangladesh is further complicated by the interim government’s lack of experience in international relations. Led by Nobel laureate Md Yunus, the government is seen as lacking the necessary diplomatic acumen to effectively manage external affairs during this turbulent period. This deficiency not only affects relations with India but poses challenges in dealing with other countries as well.
Indian sources express concern that the absence of seasoned diplomats could hinder Bangladesh’s efforts to stabilize its domestic and foreign relations. Officials believe that as Bangladesh seeks to regain stability, it will need to rebuild its diplomatic capacity to navigate complex international dynamics effectively.
Despite the present difficulties, Indian officials remain optimistic about the future of India-Bangladesh relations. They believe that, over time, the anti-India sentiment will diminish as Bangladesh stabilizes. The two nations share a rich history of cultural and economic ties, and officials are hopeful that, once the political climate improves, the Maitree Express will resume operations, signaling a renewal of cooperation and friendship between the countries.
In summary, while the current unrest poses significant challenges, the longstanding relationship between India and Bangladesh, symbolized by the Maitree Express, offers a foundation for future collaboration once stability returns.
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