Why are India and China in the same camp around Bangladesh elections?

             Why are India and China in the same camp around Bangladesh elections?

India's English-language news magazine India Today published a report with an eye-catching headline. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.

The important election of January 7 is very significant not only for Bangladesh but also for global geopolitics - the article highlights that.

There has been tension and instability in the domestic politics of Bangladesh for quite some time ahead of the upcoming elections. In this heated political context, two powerful camps have emerged. All of whom are supporting their respective parties of choice.

 According to a report by India Today, the two superpowers of India and China are on one side of a complex geopolitical chess game. The two rival countries are now strategically in the same camp when it comes to Bangladesh and continue to support Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

On the other hand, the US has emerged as a player on the other side of the geopolitical chessboard. The country's diplomatic moves around the upcoming elections echo a fine line with opposition leader Khaleda Zia's approach.

The position of the United States in this sphere of complex alliances has emerged as a challenge to the fine dynamics in the game of geopolitics. Which brought to the fore the conflict of interest in the fabric of international relations.

India Today reports Magnet:

National elections are scheduled to be held in Bangladesh on January 7. This election is important not only for Bangladesh but also for several other countries in the world. From that point, when the two rival countries India and China are seen in the same camp and are supporting the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, the United States has taken a stand for the opposition leader Khaleda Zia.

The impact of the upcoming twelfth national election of Bangladesh will be felt beyond the borders and internationally. Because this election is an important issue for some countries like USA, Russia, India and China. India's influence in Bangladesh is historic. India played a major role in the independence of the country in 1971.

 

However, the country's influence has recently been challenged by China. However, in one place, two competing countries have come down to a row. Along with Moscow, New Delhi and Beijing have reiterated their support for Sheikh Hasina and her party, Awami League, around the upcoming elections in Bangladesh.

The strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal has further increased the interest of the United States, China and India in Bangladesh. Because they want to strengthen their position in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean for military, trade and resource extraction purposes.

Also Read: What India Said About Bangladesh Elections:

Due to the increased US interest in Bangladesh, there is speculation in Dhaka that the US may use the issue of 'free and fair elections' to put pressure on the Sheikh Hasina government. Others blame India for siding with the ruling party.

 The interest of the United States in the internal politics of Bangladesh is for historical reasons. These included opposition to the creation of the Bangladesh state and Dahram-Mahram with Khaleda Zia and her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). There are also concerns about Sheikh Hasina's closeness with China.

Bangladesh's political landscape revolves around the long-standing rivalry between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League and Khaleda Zia-led BNP. Khaleda Zia could not compete in the 2018 elections due to being convicted in a corruption case. As a result, Awami League got a big victory.

 Ahead of the 12th national elections, the BNP called for a movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of a caretaker government. Which later turned into arson and violence. As a result, many leaders and workers of the party have been arrested.

Read more: 'Two plus two' dialogue / India-US talks at the center of Bangladesh election!:

In this situation, the United States, historically considered close to Khaleda Zia, has repeatedly spoken of the importance of a 'free and fair democratic process'. But Russia has accused the United States of involvement in planning anti-government protests in Bangladesh, fueling ongoing geopolitical tensions.

 Russia is cooperating in various infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Moscow accuses the US of trying to isolate China and Russia in the region. India's support for Sheikh Hasina, meanwhile, is New Delhi's concern that the return of the BNP-Jamaat alliance could push Bangladesh towards extremist politics and threaten India's security.

India is an important development partner for Bangladesh. Especially under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, both China and India have benefited through various agreements and cooperation. The growing strategic importance of Bangladesh to China is also evident in the significant investment and trade growth.

 The fear is that US pressure may inadvertently push Bangladesh closer to China, despite Sheikh Hasina's occasional diplomatic maneuvering in balancing relations with multiple powers.

Also Read: 'Brazen interference' in Bangladesh elections: Russia:

As election time approaches, all eyes are now on Sheikh Hasina's decision and its impact on Bangladesh's domestic and international dynamics. The delicate balance he has maintained over the years is now under review.