Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangladesh is experiencing a significant surge in the ‘India Out’ movement, similar to recent developments in the Maldives. The campaign, spearheaded by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is rooted in allegations of India’s undue interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and politics. This movement is gaining considerable momentum, echoing long-standing historical grievances and contemporary political concerns.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the ‘India Out’ campaign is viewed by political experts as a manifestation of deep-rooted historical sentiments and current political issues in South Asia. The movement is driven by the opposition’s desire to affirm Bangladesh’s sovereignty and to highlight their struggle against what they perceive as India’s external manipulation.
The campaign’s narrative is intertwined with the history of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, focusing on the alleged role of India in exploiting anti-Pakistan sentiments and influencing the country’s ideological direction. The movement contends that India’s actions during Bangladesh’s formation opposed the concept of an Islamic state, fostering ethnic pride and causing an identity crisis that still affects the nation.
The BNP and other opposition groups accuse India of meddling in Bangladesh’s domestic politics. They argue that the current ruling party, allegedly backed by India, is engaging in undemocratic practices such as dictatorship and electoral rigging. Additionally, the movement criticizes India’s aspiration for a Bangladesh that is strongly anti-Pakistan, claiming that this stance conflicts with the Bangladeshi population’s inclination towards Islamic culture and fraternity. Incidents of discrimination and violence against Muslims in India are cited as further fueling anti-India sentiments.
Despite international calls, notably from the United States, for fair elections and equitable treatment of opposition parties, the ruling party in Bangladesh, supposedly with India’s backing, is accused of consolidating its control over the country.
The ‘India Out’ movement is seeking global recognition of Bangladesh’s struggle against what it deems external manipulation. Political observers note that the campaign’s demands are clear: India should refrain from intervening in the internal affairs of its neighboring countries, whether it be the Maldives or Bangladesh.
As the campaign gathers strength, it highlights the complexities of Bangladesh’s sociopolitical environment and the enduring historical animosities. The opposition’s narrative is gaining traction among certain segments of the population, leading to a rise in anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh. This development is drawing close attention from the international community, as the ‘India Out’ movement becomes a significant element in the nation’s political discourse.