In recent months, concerns have grown about the state of governance in Bangladesh under the interim administration, often referred to as the Yunus-led government. The parallels drawn between this regime and the historically flawed governance in Pakistan are striking, raising alarms about how such policies might not only affect Bangladesh’s internal stability but also strain its crucial economic and political ties with India.
Adding to these worries is the disturbing pattern of using extremist groups as political tools, echoing Pakistan’s disastrous policy of nurturing terrorism—a policy that ultimately backfired and left the nation fractured and economically debilitated.
Deceptive Governance: A Page from Pakistan’s Playbook?
Pakistan’s history is rife with regimes that masked economic mismanagement and political instability behind populist narratives. The interim government in Bangladesh appears to be treading a similar path. By focusing on short-term political survival and image management, it risks neglecting the broader challenges of corruption, unemployment, and infrastructure deficiencies.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, celebrated internationally for his contributions to microfinance, has found his leadership increasingly scrutinized within the country. Accusations of consolidating power under the guise of reforms and sidelining democratic processes are growing louder. Critics argue that, much like Pakistan’s governments, the Yunus administration is fostering an illusion of progress while hollowing out the nation’s democratic framework.
Pakistan’s experiment with using terrorism as a tool for foreign and domestic policy has been a catastrophe. By harboring extremist groups, it not only lost international credibility but also created a severe internal security crisis. Militants turned against their creators, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and an economy paralyzed by instability.
Bangladesh risks following a similar trajectory. Reports of extremist groups gaining ground in the country under the tacit approval or negligence of authorities are deeply troubling. Such elements, if left unchecked, could not only harm Bangladesh’s social fabric but also strain its ties with India, a country that has long been a target of cross-border terrorism originating from Bangladesh.
India, which has been a steadfast supporter of Bangladesh’s independence and growth, will not tolerate a resurgence of extremist activity. This could lead to diplomatic fallout and, in the worst case, a regional security crisis.
India is one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners and a key player in its economic growth. However, the Yunus government’s policies risk destabilizing this crucial relationship.
- Trade Tensions: Poor governance and populist policies could lead to inefficiencies in cross-border trade, straining agreements on goods, services, and water-sharing treaties.
- Investment Decline: Indian businesses, which have invested in Bangladesh’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, may pull back due to perceived instability and corruption under the interim administration.
- Geopolitical Fallout: Any attempt to align too closely with China or other rival powers, reminiscent of Pakistan’s economic tilt toward Beijing, could alienate India and lead to strategic complications in South Asia.
Lessons from Pakistan’s Economic and Security Decline
Pakistan’s economic trajectory, marred by high external debt, political instability, and reduced investor confidence, serves as a cautionary tale. Its over-reliance on foreign aid and mismanagement of domestic resources created a cycle of dependency and underdevelopment.
Moreover, its dalliance with terrorism as a strategic tool invited global isolation, sanctions, and an unending cycle of violence that destroyed its economy. If Bangladesh follows a similar path under Yunus, its flourishing garment industry and remittance-based economy could face significant setbacks.
Additionally, public discontent due to inflation, unemployment, and rising extremist violence could lead to widespread protests, further destabilizing the country.
