Dhaka: Bangladesh’s caretaker government has unexpectedly revoked the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and its affiliated groups, a move that could have significant ramifications for the country’s relationship with India. The ban, imposed by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 31, had been a response to allegations that Jamaat-e-Islami incited violence during student-led protests that led to her removal from office.
In a statement issued on August 28, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, clarified that there was “no specific evidence of involvement” by Jamaat-e-Islami in “terrorist activities.” This reversal marks a shift from Hasina’s policies, which had aimed to curb the influence of the party, known for its controversial history and pro-Pakistan stance.
Historical Context and Reversal
Jamaat-e-Islami, which had been effectively barred from contesting elections since a 2013 court ruling that deemed its registration unconstitutional, had condemned the ban as “illegal, extrajudicial, and unconstitutional.” The party now plans to petition the Supreme Court to restore its registration, potentially re-entering the political arena.
This decision comes amid heightened concerns in India. Under Sheikh Hasina, India-Bangladesh relations saw significant improvements, including advancements in trade, security cooperation, and transit arrangements. However, with her ouster, India faces the prospect of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regaining power. The BNP’s alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami raises alarms due to the party’s historical links with Islamist terrorism and its perceived pro-Pakistan stance.
Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations
The Jamaat-e-Islami has a contentious history with India. During the BNP’s previous tenure, India experienced increased cross-border terrorism and instability, partly attributed to the party’s connections with radical groups. The Jamaat-e-Islami, known for sheltering radical and terrorist organisations, is seen as a threat to regional stability. Its reemergence could heighten security concerns in India’s northeastern states, where Islamist groups have been active.
Furthermore, Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in anti-Hindu attacks in Bangladesh has exacerbated tensions, contributing to resentment among minority communities. The party’s association with war crimes during Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation struggle also adds to its controversial legacy.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Position on India
Jamaat-e-Islami supremo Shafiqur Rahman has expressed a desire for stable and harmonious relations with India. In an interview with news agency PTI, Rahman emphasised that Jamaat-e-Islami is focused on Bangladesh’s interests and denied being anti-India. He criticised past Indian interventions, such as the alleged influence exerted during the 2014 Bangladesh elections, and called for a reassessment of India’s foreign policy towards Bangladesh.
Rahman also indicated that Jamaat-e-Islami supports strengthening ties with China and Pakistan, which may further complicate India-Bangladesh dynamics. The party’s position on fostering relations with these countries could be viewed as a challenge to India’s regional interests.
Recent Developments and Concerns
Adding to the complexity, Bangladesh recently released Jashimuddin Rahmani, the leader of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group. Rahmani had been imprisoned for his role in the murder of a blogger in 2013 and had led an outlawed group since 2015. His release raises significant concerns for India, given the ABT’s attempts to establish a network in Bangladesh and its potential impact on regional security.
As the political landscape in Bangladesh shifts, the implications for India-Bangladesh relations remain to be seen. The revival of Jamaat-e-Islami and the recent actions of the caretaker government signal potential changes in the regional balance, which will require careful monitoring by Indian policymakers.
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