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India Must Act Cautiously on Bangladesh: Parliamentary Panel

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
  • Dec 18, 2025
  • 623

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, has described the current situation in Bangladesh as India’s biggest strategic challenge since 1971. While the committee noted that the situation may not spiral into complete chaos, it warned that New Delhi must approach the issue with extreme caution and long-term strategic planning.

In its report submitted to the government, the committee emphasised that sustained cooperation in Bangladesh’s development is the only viable solution to safeguard India’s interests.

According to the panel, the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh stems from multiple factors, including the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, the growing influence of China and Pakistan, and the weakening political grip of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.

Drawing a comparison with 1971, the committee stated that while the challenge then was primarily an existential and humanitarian crisis, the present situation reflects a generational shift, changes in the political system, and a gradual strategic realignment away from India.

Key Observations and Recommendations

The committee said Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India is consistent with India’s long-standing humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing difficult circumstances. It advised the government to uphold its humanitarian principles while handling the matter with sensitivity and diplomatic caution.

Expressing concern over Bangladesh’s evolving ties with Pakistan and China, the panel highlighted strategic projects such as the expansion of Mongla port, the Lalmonirhat airbase, and the submarine base at Pekua. It noted that China is expanding engagement across all sections of Bangladeshi society, including Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, whose representatives have reportedly visited China.

The committee urged India to maintain strict vigilance to prevent any foreign power from establishing military bases in Bangladesh and recommended offering stronger alternatives in terms of development assistance and regional connectivity.

It also flagged concerns over the political process in Bangladesh. While the previously banned Jamaat-e-Islami has been allowed to re-register and participate in upcoming elections, the Awami League remains banned by the interim government. The panel said the continued exclusion of the Awami League raises serious questions about the inclusiveness and credibility of future elections.

Rising Tensions and Security Concerns

The report noted that since August 5, 2024, the BNP, Jamaat, and several other organisations have organised more than ten long marches towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

At a recent rally, National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah issued a veiled threat, stating that if attempts were made to destabilise Bangladesh, “the fire of revenge would spread across borders.” Without naming India, he warned that if shelter was provided to those destabilising Bangladesh, similar support could be extended to separatist groups in India’s northeastern “Seven Sisters” states.

Following a recent threat to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the Indian government on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah and formally lodged a protest with the Bangladeshi authorities.

While the government has not disclosed specific details about the threat, it is being viewed as a serious security concern amid deteriorating bilateral tensions.