I was recently traveling in Egypt, and I was surprised that many people there were asking about the Bangladesh elections. They wanted to know which way the electoral camel would tilt. I expressed complete confidence in the Bangladeshi voters, saying that if democracy is to be preserved, there is no alternative to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens’ Party would take the country down the path of extremism… and my confidence proved correct. The BNP won.
In other words, the people of Bangladesh preserved democracy. About a year and a half ago, when extremist movements attempted a coup against Sheikh Hasina, it seemed for a moment that the pro-democracy country was headed down the path of fanaticism. Reports of atrocities against the Hindu minority became common. Rather than stopping this, the head of the interim government, Mohammad Yunus, actually fueled anti-India sentiment.
Behind the innocent-looking faces, a devil was hiding. They began playing into the hands of Pakistan and China. They repeatedly tried to postpone the elections to retain power. When they realized that the poison of religious fanaticism had thoroughly seeped into the veins of Bangladesh, they announced the elections. In any case, there was also mounting pressure on them to hold elections. They assumed that even after the elections, extremist forces would remain in power, ensuring their own survival.
Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens’ Party, which had been protesting against Sheikh Hasina, believed they would play the main role in the power-sharing. They assumed that the elections would not be easy for the BNP, because Khaleda Zia was no longer around, and Tarique Rahman, who had been away from the country for 17 years, would not be able to reconnect quickly. But Tarique managed to reconnect in such a way that he outperformed everyone else.
When Tarique returned to Dhaka last December, it was as if the BNP had gained new life. He engaged the public in an entirely new way. During the 19 days of the election campaign, he held 64 rallies, often accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. He wanted to present himself as a family man. At these rallies, he invited ordinary people onto the stage, spoke with them, listened to their questions, understood their problems, and assured solutions in front of the full assembly. These policies brought him very close to the voters.
During this period, he spoke about peace, harmony, and democracy. He raised the slogan for Bangladesh’s dignity: “Neither Delhi, nor Pindi!”—meaning they would be under pressure from neither Delhi (India) nor Rawalpindi (Pakistan). They would act only in Bangladesh’s interests. This slogan also attracted voters. Even some Awami League supporters, who did not like him, saw him as the only beacon of hope. Therefore, it is not surprising that they also voted for him.
The main goal of the Awami League was to prevent Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens’ Party from gaining power, and that goal could only be achieved by strengthening Tarique. To a large extent, they succeeded. Jamaat got a chance to sit in opposition, but the National Citizens’ Party, born from student movements, was completely wiped out. With Tarique Rahman’s victory, several new questions arise: for instance, will he be able to bring Bangladesh to the same economic level that Sheikh Hasina had achieved?
How much influence will Pakistan or China have on him? And the biggest question: will he be able to reduce bitterness in relations with India? I am not even talking about warmth in relations, as the bitterness is severe. First comes the economic challenge, which will be very tough for Tarique. During Mohammad Yunus’s tenure, the country’s economy became fragile. To bring it back on track, he will surely look to the United States, but China will also keep a close eye. The U.S. wants to establish a military base in his country! Will he permit it?
There are many such questions, but the biggest question is the relationship with India. Geographically, Bangladesh and India are the closest neighbors, with 94% of Bangladesh’s border adjoining India. Without good relations with India, imagining an economically prosperous Bangladesh is impossible. India had already initiated steps toward better relations well before the BNP’s victory. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar personally attended the funeral of Tarique’s mother, Khaleda Zia, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a condolence letter.
Although Khaleda Zia did not have very good relations with India whenever she was in power, the saying holds true that in politics and diplomacy, there is neither permanent friend nor permanent enemy. Tarique has a strong opportunity to move forward on the path of friendship with India—for his own good and ours. Wishing Bangladesh a better future. May the Almighty give immense strength to fight forces like Jamaat. That is my heartfelt prayer!
