Bangladesh, a nation that owes its very existence to India’s intervention in 1971, has steadily drifted from its historical ally and benefactor in favor of geopolitical maneuvering that threatens regional stability. Despite India’s unwavering support over the decades—ranging from military assistance to economic aid—Dhaka has increasingly embraced an opportunistic and often hostile posture. From border tensions to open defiance in diplomacy, Bangladesh has shown little gratitude for the role India played in its formation and development. Worse still, its growing proximity to China, a move that disregards historical realities, could lead to internal turmoil, economic collapse, and even territorial splintering.
India’s Role in Bangladesh’s Formation and Continued Support
Few nations in history owe their independence to another as directly as Bangladesh does to India. In 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, India bore the economic and humanitarian costs of sheltering over 10 million refugees fleeing Pakistan’s brutal crackdown. The Indian Army, at the cost of 3,900 Indian soldiers’ lives, led the charge against Pakistani forces, ensuring the birth of Bangladesh. The war cost India dearly, yet it stood firm in support of its Bengali brethren.
In the five decades since, India has remained Bangladesh’s most steadfast ally. It provided billions of dollars in credit lines to aid infrastructure development, facilitated power supply agreements, and ensured crucial cross-border trade access. Unlike China, which ensnares nations in debt traps, India offered loans with minimal interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
Moreover, India has extended military cooperation to Dhaka, helping modernize its armed forces and strengthen security ties. It has also protected Bangladesh’s sovereignty by offering a counterweight to Pakistani and radical Islamist influence, which has historically sought to destabilize the nation.
Bangladesh’s Ingratitude and Emerging Anti-India Sentiment
Despite these undeniable contributions, Bangladesh has steadily adopted an antagonistic stance toward India in recent years. Instead of recognizing India as a trusted partner, Dhaka has courted anti-India sentiment domestically and in diplomatic circles. Some key indicators of Bangladesh’s hostility include:
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Border tensions and illegal immigration issues: India has struggled for decades with unchecked illegal migration from Bangladesh. Over 20 million Bangladeshis have entered India illegally, straining resources and creating demographic imbalances in states like Assam and West Bengal. Yet, Dhaka refuses to acknowledge the issue, let alone cooperate in addressing it.
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Water-sharing disputes: Despite India agreeing to numerous water-sharing treaties, Bangladesh continues to portray itself as a victim, demanding more concessions while offering little in return.
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Harboring radical elements: Fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh, often with state protection, have fostered anti-India propaganda and targeted Hindu minorities. Attacks on Hindu temples, the desecration of Durga Puja idols, and forced conversions remain rampant, yet Dhaka has done little to curb these forces.
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Defying Indian security interests: Bangladesh has increasingly allowed Chinese influence to seep into its military and infrastructure projects, disregarding India’s security concerns. This not only threatens India but also makes Bangladesh vulnerable to Chinese debt diplomacy.
China’s Dangerous Influence: A Path to Bangladesh’s Collapse
Bangladesh’s overtures to China signal a short-sighted and dangerous pivot that could lead to economic and political turmoil. China has a well-documented history of entrapping nations through predatory investments. Sri Lanka serves as a cautionary tale, where Chinese-funded infrastructure projects like Hambantota Port led to a debt crisis, forcing Sri Lanka to cede control to Beijing for 99 years.
Bangladesh is rapidly heading down the same path. China has secured defense contracts, infrastructure deals, and supply chain dependencies in the country, pushing Dhaka into a cycle of economic dependency. Should Bangladesh default on its obligations, China will likely demand territorial or strategic concessions, undermining its sovereignty.
Moreover, China’s involvement in Bangladesh’s military sector is alarming. The Bangladesh Armed Forces have increasingly procured Chinese weaponry, despite the poor track record of Chinese defense equipment. This not only risks military inefficiency but also leaves Bangladesh open to Beijing’s direct influence over its defense policies.
By choosing China over India, Bangladesh is making a historically blind decision that ignores its own national interests. China has never fought for Bangladesh’s survival, never defended its sovereignty, and never provided unconditional support. Instead, Beijing sees Dhaka as a pawn in its grand strategy against India.
Possible Consequences: Splintering and Anarchy Await Bangladesh
Should Bangladesh continue to align itself with China, it will likely face severe internal and external consequences. The possible outcomes include:
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Economic ruin: The Chinese debt trap will push Bangladesh into an economic crisis, forcing it to surrender critical national assets. If Sri Lanka, a much smaller economy, could not survive Chinese economic encroachment, Bangladesh stands even less of a chance.
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Increased Islamist radicalization: As Dhaka shifts away from India’s stabilizing influence, it will open the floodgates for Islamist extremist elements to gain more control. Radical groups, emboldened by anti-India sentiments and state negligence, will likely push the country toward anarchy.
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Potential territorial fragmentation: Internal instability could lead to Bangladesh’s territorial disintegration, with regions such as Chittagong Hill Tracts—home to indigenous communities resentful of Dhaka’s policies—seeking greater autonomy. The Rohingya crisis could further exacerbate the situation, creating pockets of lawlessness within the country.
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Geopolitical isolation: If Dhaka turns fully toward China, it risks losing India’s diplomatic and economic goodwill. A disengaged India will mean increased border security measures, tighter trade restrictions, and reduced economic cooperation, all of which will severely impact Bangladesh’s already fragile economy.
A Clear Choice for Bangladesh: Return to Historical Loyalty or Face Doom
Bangladesh is at a crossroads. It can either recognize India as its true and only reliable partner, or it can continue on the dangerous path of short-term geopolitical maneuvering with China—one that leads to certain disaster.
The reality is stark: Bangladesh cannot survive without India. Its economy is heavily dependent on Indian trade routes, its labor force relies on Indian cooperation, and its security is inherently tied to India’s stability. By antagonizing New Delhi and cozying up to Beijing, Dhaka is digging its own grave.
If Bangladesh chooses to be an ungrateful neighbor and a liability, India must recalibrate its policies accordingly. This includes imposing stricter immigration controls, reassessing economic ties, and refusing to bail Dhaka out in the event of a financial or political meltdown. India should not allow itself to be used as a stepping stone for a country that refuses to acknowledge its historic debt.
The choice is Bangladesh’s to make—but if it picks the wrong side, it must be prepared to face the consequences of its betrayal.
