Issue Brief on “Future of India-Bangladesh in the Post-Hasina Era”

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Introduction

Bangladesh has seen a government change after protests against Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year-long rule. The student-led protests in July 2024 resulted in Hasina’s resignation and her fleeing to India on August 5. Reportedly, the violent clashes between students and police resulted in around 400 deaths. Hasina’s stay in India is widely criticized by officials and social circles in Dhaka. It is significant to analyze, how India and Bangladesh will look towards each other in the post-Hasina phase? Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led Interim government in Bangladesh has revoked the diplomatic passport of Sheikh Hasina. There is a possibility that Dhaka can ask Delhi to extradite Hasina. This extradition can majorly contribute to deepening discontent between the two countries. In response to Hasina’s statement regarding the protestors, Dr. Yunus said, “We have said quite firmly that she should keep quiet. This is an unfriendly gesture towards us; she has been given shelter there and she is campaigning from there. It is not that she has gone there on a normal course. She has fled following a people’s uprising and public anger.”

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