Undermining sovereignty: The silent threat of internal power games

Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman :

History reveals that from 1947, India Integrated several territories, including Goa, Diu, Daman (1961), Hyderabad (1948), and Sikkim (1975) into the Indian Union. The Indian administration indeed undermined the independence and democratic rights of these regions by orchestrating instability, imposing economic blockades, and eventually using military intervention to incorporate them one by one.
It is said that the Indian intelligence RAW made constant efforts to increase influence in neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. However, these attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to strategic military ties, these nations established with China.
Unfortunately, a section of the Bangladeshi population, particularly supporters of the Awami League, seems not overly concerned about India’s historical approach to integrating neighbouring regions.
Despite India’s longstanding and, at times, assertive involvement in the internal affairs of its neighbours, these political circles frequently overlook this aspect of regional geopolitics.
In Bangladesh, there had been a great concern about India’s influence in ensuring the country’s Sheikh Hasina-led government, and it was made to happen at the cost of democratic values and political pluralism.
Reports of suppression of dissent in a brutal way, setting up several torture cells, curtailment of opposition activities, and human rights violations have drawn sharp criticism from all quarters, including the United Nations Human Rights Watch. Nonetheless, many within the ruling party remain supportive of India’s policies, often aligning with the strategic interests of India’s intelligence agency, RAW, even when such alignment is perceived to challenge Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independent political trajectory.
Immediately after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, India has been attempting to destabilise the political environment in Bangladesh by disseminating misleading or fabricated narratives through its mainstream and digital media platforms. This information seeks to shape public perception and influence internal political dynamics in favour of India’s long-term strategic interests.
In light of ongoing concerns regarding foreign influence and misinformation, the current Dr. Yunus Administration must take firm and proactive measures to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democratic integrity.
Persistent propaganda and external influence, particularly from India, pose a serious threat to our internal political stability and the independent functioning of our institutions. It is the duty of a sovereign state to protect its internal affairs from undue influence, whether through media manipulation, intelligence operations, or political presence.
The government should consider enhancing counterintelligence capabilities, strengthening independent media to combat disinformation, engaging in strategic diplomatic dialogues, and promoting greater transparency in our governance. Upholding national sovereignty and ensuring that foreign powers respect the political will of the Bangladesh people must remain a top priority.
It is an admitted fact that the country stands at a crossroads, between the preservation of its democratic ethos and the threat posed by the internal elements who seek to weaken it for self-serving ends.
While dissent is a democratic right, it must not become a tool of disorder or a veil for an agenda that compromises the country’s sovereignty. Safeguarding the Independence of the nation requires more than governmental resolve; it demands a vigilant citizenry, a responsible media, and a collective reaffirmation of faith in the constitutional framework. The challenges are significant and have to be addressed with great resilience. By identifying and confronting these internal threats with clarity and purpose, the country can emerge stronger, more united, and steadfast in its journey toward progress and stability.

(The writer is ex-Country Manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines in Frankfurt, Germany).