In a high-level briefing to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, top strategic experts assured lawmakers that the Bangladesh Army remains far less radicalised than its Pakistani counterpart, despite growing concerns over Dhaka’s evolving ties with China and Pakistan.
🧠 Key Takeaways from the Expert Briefing
- The session, chaired by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, featured insights from:
- Former NSA Shivshankar Menon
- Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain
- Former High Commissioner to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das
- Strategic affairs expert Prof. Amitabh Mattoo
- Experts emphasized that while radicalisation among youth in the region is a concern, the Bangladeshi military does not exhibit extremist traits like the Pakistani Army
- They urged India to strengthen people-to-people ties, especially through media exchanges and cultural diplomacy
🌏 Strategic Concerns and Regional Dynamics
- MPs raised alarms over China’s growing footprint in Bangladesh, including infrastructure projects like ports and airbases
- The panel discussed the Pakistan-China nexus and its implications for India’s eastern flank
- Experts advised India to engage with Bangladesh’s current leadership, moving beyond traditional reliance on former PM Sheikh Hasina
“Media narratives often exaggerate Bangladesh’s closeness with India’s adversaries,” one expert noted, calling for a balanced and proactive diplomatic approach
🛂 Migration, Borders & Bilateral Trust
- The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh was discussed, with inputs suggesting a significant decline in recent years
- MPs from West Bengal and Tripura highlighted the importance of border management and cultural linkages
- The upcoming renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty in 2026 was flagged as a key opportunity for cooperation
📌 Why It Matters
- Reinforces India’s strategic differentiation between Bangladesh and Pakistan
- Highlights the need for nuanced diplomacy amid shifting regional alliances
- Encourages multi-sectoral engagement to preserve India’s influence in South Asia
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