Bangladesh’s recent wave of anti-India sentiment, amplified after Sheikh Hasina’s fall, is a stark reminder of a deep-rooted animosity that goes far beyond contemporary politics. While Indian media attempts to downplay this as a post-Hasina phenomenon, history tells a different story. The sentiment against India—be it against upper-caste Hindu domination before independence, India’s anti-Pakistan activities post-1947, or its exploitative relationship with Bangladesh after 1971—has been a recurring theme in the region. For Pakistan, this presents not just a strategic opportunity but a moral imperative to act decisively.
A Historical Perspective: The Roots of Resentment
Pre-Independence: The Struggle Against Upper-Caste Hindu Fascism
Long before the partition of British India, Bengali Muslims endured systemic discrimination under upper-caste Hindu elites. This created a chasm of mistrust and hostility that shaped the collective consciousness of Bengal’s Muslim majority. Far from being forgotten, these grievances remain a powerful undercurrent in Bangladesh’s political and cultural landscape.
Post-1947: India’s Role in Dividing Pakistan
The anti-India sentiment took a sharper turn after the partition of India. As East and West Pakistan sought to unify despite geographical separation, India strategically sowed discord to weaken Pakistan. Economic blockades, political interference, and the isolation of East Pakistan culminated in the tragic events of 1971. For Bangladeshis, India’s role in dividing Pakistan did not translate into liberation but dependence.
Post-1971: Exploitation by a ‘Friend’
After supporting Bangladesh’s independence, India quickly transitioned from ally to opportunist. From economic exploitation through trade imbalances to cultural dominance and water disputes, India’s actions have consistently undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Despite Sheikh Hasina’s pro-India policies, the public has remained wary of India’s intentions, viewing its influence as overbearing and self-serving.
The Current Wave: Anti-India Sentiment Resurfaces
The fall of Sheikh Hasina has merely exposed the undercurrents of resentment that were already brewing. Recent attacks on Hindu minorities, political affiliates, and symbols of Indian influence reflect this tension. While the Indian state media sensationalized events to inflame tensions, grassroots anger stemmed from years of frustration with India’s meddling in Bangladeshi affairs.
The transcript highlights how misinformation campaigns and heavy-handed diplomacy from India have further alienated the Bangladeshi public. Protests, such as those following attacks on religious communities and diplomatic incidents, underscore a population increasingly unwilling to tolerate India’s overreach.
Pakistan’s Role: Turning the Tide in South Asia
For Pakistan, the resurgence of anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh is more than a geopolitical curiosity—it’s a strategic opportunity. By supporting Bangladesh’s aspirations for sovereignty and strength, Pakistan can not only avenge the events of 1971 but also weaken India’s grip on South Asia.
Breaking India’s Northeast Through Greater Bangladesh Aspirations
Bangladesh’s historical and cultural ties with India’s northeastern states, such as Assam and West Bengal, position it as a potential disruptor of India’s unity. Pakistan should support Bangladesh in asserting its influence in the region, creating pressure points that challenge India’s internal stability.
Strengthening Bangladesh’s Military Capabilities
Pakistan must actively assist Bangladesh in modernizing its defense capabilities. By providing missile technology and advanced weaponry, Pakistan can help Bangladesh deter potential Indian aggression and bolster its position as a sovereign power.
Economic and Diplomatic Engagement
Beyond military support, Pakistan should deepen economic and cultural ties with Bangladesh. Offering trade partnerships, investments, and technological collaborations can provide a counterbalance to India’s exploitative economic model.
The Path Forward: A Strategic Alliance for Mutual Benefit
For too long, Pakistan has underestimated the importance of its eastern neighbor. By forging a strategic alliance with Bangladesh, Pakistan can not only create a formidable front against India but also reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape. The growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh is a gift Pakistan cannot afford to ignore.
India’s actions in 1971 were designed to weaken Pakistan, but history now offers Pakistan the chance to reverse the tide. Supporting Bangladesh in its quest for sovereignty and strength will not only secure Pakistan’s interests but also ensure that India pays a heavy price for its divisive policies.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s rising anti-India sentiment is a clear signal to Pakistan: the time to act is now. Strengthening ties with Dhaka is not just an opportunity but a necessity. Together, Pakistan and Bangladesh can challenge India’s regional hegemony and rewrite the history of South Asia. For Pakistan, this is more than revenge—it’s a strategy for survival and resurgence.
