Elections in Bangladesh unfolded Thursday against a backdrop of allegations of fraud and clashes, drawing intense scrutiny from India. The Election Commission reported 32.88% turnout by noon, based on figures from thousands of polling stations.
In a media update, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmad shared that 32,789 stations out of over 42,000 had submitted data, with 299 seats witnessing orderly voting. This comes as the country navigates post-Hasina turbulence.
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have soured sharply since Hasina’s fall. Muhammad Yunus’s caretaker government leans heavily on Pakistan and China, opening doors for Pakistani influence. Recent Dhaka policies appear aimed at eroding Indian leverage.
India’s longstanding call for democratic polls in Bangladesh has been unequivocal, backing impartial elections. Surveys favored BNP ahead of the vote, and Indian diplomats eye results to reset ties.
Whether BNP or Jamaat prevails, implications for India are profound, especially border security. The 4,000 km frontier, largely unfenced in parts, breeds smuggling of people, animals, narcotics, and fake notes. Officials stress a stable Bangladesh is essential for fortified borders via joint talks.
Under Yunus, hardliners and militants gained freedom, while ISI operatives radicalize youth, posing future risks to India. Earlier counter-terror pacts with Hasina ensured smooth operations; India wants that dynamic preserved under elected leadership.
Trade and strategic partnerships, bolstered during Hasina’s tenure through energy deals and Act East initiatives, hang in balance. Instability risks dismantling 50+ years of collaboration since liberation.
India prefers BNP’s governance over Jamaat’s, citing workable history, even as alliances shift. A senior source clarified no total rupture anticipated, but vigilance defines New Delhi’s approach.