Md. Habibur Rahman :
Most South Asian nations do not desire a “big brother” attitude from neighbouring states, instead demanding mutual respect, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Peace-loving people, both national and international, reject hegemonic roles in the region.
Every country prioritizes its national interests while maintaining amicable international relations.
When diplomatic means fail, countries often resort to coercive methods, sacrificing blood and human lives to protect their freedom and independence. The United Nations and international law generally discourage interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
Recently, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government outlined a new foreign policy that could be seen as the “Yunus Doctrine,” which stresses the importance of regional peace, security, and development.
In a recent interview with NDTV, Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus discussed the political dynamics of the region, particularly the impact on the “Seven Sisters” – the northeastern states of India.
He highlighted that destabilizing Bangladesh could have far-reaching consequences for Myanmar, West Bengal, and the Seven Sisters, cautioning that unrest in Bangladesh could spill over into these areas.
Dr. Yunus emphasized the need for a peaceful and democratically run Bangladesh, noting that without it, regional instability could arise. He warned that unresolved political issues in Bangladesh, where two-thirds of the population are young people who have never voted in meaningful elections, could lead to widespread unrest.
The security concerns of northeastern India, or the “Seven Sisters” – Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Nagaland – are also significant for India’s central government.
The Yunus Doctrine aims to establish a new regional order in South Asia, emphasizing Bangladesh’s need to build strong alliances with countries like China, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia, along with Middle Eastern and European nations that respect Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Bangladesh is also encouraged to foster relations with Western allies, provided they maintain direct, independent ties with Bangladesh, free from Indian influence.
India must consider the security and strategic concerns of its neighbors, particularly given the geographic distance between the mainland and the northeastern states. Historically, India’s foreign policy toward Bangladesh has not changed significantly, whether under Congress or BJP-led governments.
This consistency has led to criticism among the Bangladeshi population, who have grown increasingly antagonistic toward India’s perceived interference in their domestic affairs.
The recent departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India evoked historical comparisons to Lakshman Sen’s flight from Bengal in 1206 AD after a defeat, illustrating the depth of such sentiments.
Anti-India sentiment has also been fueled by recent environmental issues, such as man-made floods in Bangladesh’s Feni and other southern regions, which some in Bangladesh have attributed to India.
The slogan, “If people die in floods, there will be no Seven Sisters,” reflects the growing frustration with India’s regional policies.
If India does not reassess its approach, it risks further alienating its South Asian neighbors.
India’s relations with other regional powers, particularly China, have also deteriorated, further complicating its position. Although India and China once shared a spirit of cooperation, symbolized by the phrase “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” (India and China are brothers), current geopolitical realities and rivalries have strained their relationship.
As a result, India must exercise caution in its dealings with neighboring countries to avoid exacerbating tensions. Bangladesh, given its strategic location, can play a key role in balancing power dynamics in South Asia.
Countries like China and the USA have vested interests in Bangladesh’s military, economic, and strategic affairs. However, Bangladesh must tread carefully, ensuring that its regional and international alliances align with its national interests.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985 in Dhaka, has the potential to foster regional cooperation and development.
However, political rivalries and the lack of commitment from regional powers have hindered its effectiveness. If SAARC is to survive and thrive, it must address these challenges and work toward resolving interstate issues.
Bangladesh, though small in size, has a large and dynamic population that contributes to the region’s human and natural resources.
By pursuing policies that protect its sovereignty and foster strong regional alliances, Bangladesh can play a vital role in ensuring regional stability and prosperity.
Global superpowers should support small, non-nuclear states like Bangladesh to maintain a balance of power in South Asia.
Bangladesh must continue to build regional alliances, including fostering SAARC, to secure a stable and peaceful region.
(Mr. Habibur is a poet, writer, and researcher)