By Manish Shukla Bangladesh is slowly regaining its footing after a tumultuous month marked by widespread protests, high-profile resignations, and violent clashes. The unrest, which erupted in early July, culminated in the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country in early August. However, with the situation now showing signs of stability, the nation is gradually returning to normalcy. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has extended an olive branch to Bangladesh's newly appointed interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, expressing his eagerness to collaborate and enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The departure of Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, has brought a glimmer of hope to Islamabad for a potential thaw in relations between the two nations. Throughout Hasina's tenure, Bangladesh-Pakistan ties remained strained, but the recent change in leadership in Dhaka has rekindled optimism for a reset. Many believe that Hasina's ouster has created a window of opportunity for both countries to re-establish and normalize their relations, paving the way for a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. In a significant development following the departure of Sheikh Hasina, establishment in Indian government have learnt that Bangladesh is set to receive a substantial shipment of defence materials from Pakistan, including 40,000 rounds of ammunition, Tank ammunition 2000 quantity, 40 tons of RDX explosive in wax consistency, and 2,900 high-intensity projectiles. This represents a significant increase from the previous year's order, which included 12,000 rounds of ammunition. This is not the first instance of Pakistan supplying ammunition to Bangladesh, the current order is notably larger than previous ones. According to details, the shipment is scheduled to take place in three phases, commencing in the first week of September 2024 and concluding by December 2024. Also ReadIndia’s response to Bangladesh floods: Clearing misconceptions - Defence News | The Financial Express A letter from the General Manager Exports of Pakistan Ordinance Factory (POF) has revealed details of supplementary defence exports to Bangladesh. The correspondence, addressed to the Managing Directors of various POF divisions, including Havelian, Sanjwal, and Gadwal, outlines the specifics of the additional defence stores to be exported. This move indicates Bangladesh's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities and potentially signals a strengthening of ties with Pakistan under the new leadership. A sinister plot is unfolding in Bangladesh, aimed at perpetuating anti-India sentiment and jeopardizing the harmonious relationship between the two nations. Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in open anti-India hostility. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent flooding in Feni, which locals attribute to India's alleged release of dam water from Tripura without prior notice, leading to catastrophic consequences. Followed by, a protest erupted outside the Indian Visa Application Centre in Satkhira on August 26, as hundreds of Bangladeshi visa applicants took to the streets. The demonstration was prompted by the failure of many to receive their visas, despite waiting for hours in long, winding queues. Protests in Bangladesh led to the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, Jamaat-e-Islami was reportedly involved, with its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), playing a significant role in expanding the protests beyond quota reform. Some observers believe this development presents an opportunity for Pakistan to re-engage with Bangladesh. The change in government has significant implications for regional stability and geopolitical dynamics, potentially leading to shifts in alliances and influence in South Asia. India-Bangladesh India and Bangladesh are connected by a rich tapestry of shared history, language, culture, and numerous other commonalities. Given their extensive 4,000 km border and inherent geographic proximity, India will continue to be a vital regional ally and business partner for Bangladesh, fostering a strong and enduring relationship between the two nations. Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh's interim government, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have engaged in a productive conversation, pledging to foster a strong collaborative relationship. Further solidifying this commitment, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor, Touhid Hossain, stated on August 14 that the interim government is eager to work closely with India to enhance bilateral ties. The recent developments in Bangladesh have far-reaching implications for India, extending beyond the political sphere to the economic domain as well. The shift in Bangladesh's political landscape is likely to have significant consequences for India's economic interests, trade relationships, and regional influence. (With nearly two decades in Journalism, the author is an independent journalist. His expertise is in covering a wide range of crucial subjects, including internal security, terror-related cases, Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pakistan relations, and India-China relations.) (Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of FinancialExpress.com Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)
