Discussion on the Recent Upheavals in Bangladesh and Its Repercussions

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On 05 August, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) organized a discussion on the “Recent Upheavals in Bangladesh and Its Repercussions”. Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF, delivered the opening remarks, followed by brief observations from Prof Sreeradha Datta; Amb Riva Ganguly Das, Former Indian High commissioner to Bangladesh; Prof. Sanjay K Bhardwaj; Amb Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty; and Amb Pankaj Saran, Former Indian High commissioners to Bangladesh, about the current situation. This was accompanied by an interactive question-and-answer session.

In recent weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed the outbreak of massive protests and demonstrations on the contentious issue of the country's quota system in government jobs. What began as a student-led initiative has swiftly grown into a national demand for reform, attracting widespread attention and eliciting a substantial response from the government. These protests soon extended beyond the student community, becoming deeply intertwined with the broader political landscape of the country. The demonstrations, which started as peaceful rallies, escalated into violent confrontations between the protesters and the security forces/ruling party members over the past few weeks. In this backdrop, the discussion highlighted the reasons behind this socio-political/economic upheaval in Bangladesh and its implications for India. The role of the involvement of different state and non-state actors in this student-led movement was also analysed by the panellists. It underscored how the multifaceted involvement of different actors—civil society groups, opposition parties, etc.—has shaped the movement's trajectory, highlighting the complex interplay between grassroots activism, political strategy, and the deep discontent against the government within the society.

It was further emphasized in the discussion that for India, the political turmoil in Bangladesh carries significant implications. India, which shares a lengthy border with Bangladesh, is likely to encounter potential disruptions in cross-border trade and heightened security concerns, especially regarding the movement of refugees. Additionally, the instability jeopardizes regional security and economic collaborations. Therefore, it was maintained that India is advocating for peace and stability in the country, acknowledging that a stable Bangladesh is essential for regional peace, security, and prosperity.