Bangladesh votes today: Why India can’t take its eyes off the polls | World News

New Delhi: India is watching the February 12 general elections in Bangladesh with cautious expectation. This time, the elections attracted attention in Delhi that went beyond routine observation of the neighboring country’s political process. Analysts say these election results could create a political scenario the country has not faced in the last two decades.

In the elections to be held in Bangladesh after many years, a government will emerge in which the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina will not be in power. India has traditionally worked closely with Awami League governments and is now preparing to enter an entirely new political reality.

Observers are also focusing on whether the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman can form a government on its own or will have to include Jamaat-e-Islami in the coalition.

From 2001 to 2006, a BNP-Jamaat coalition governed Bangladesh under Khaleda Zia; This period posed challenges for India, but the political environment in Dhaka has improved greatly since then. Whether the community joins as part of the government or emerges as a strong opposition force, it is expected to wield considerable influence in the new parliament.

India has long seen Jamaat as a sore point in its politics, and analysts are now watching how New Delhi will engage with the party. Reports indicate that preliminary communication channels have already begun.

India’s main concern is how the new government will address security challenges in India’s northeast. Experts describe this as extremely sensitive and India does not want to compromise on this issue. Compared to previous elections, New Delhi has stayed away from the process this time, probably due to student protests in 2024 and anti-India protests against the Awami League. Even when the Awami League failed to contest elections, India limited its response to routine diplomatic initiatives.

The future of India’s traditional ally, the Awami League, largely depends on the new government. Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Reeva Ganguly Das said India hopes the elections will bring political stability and a clear mandate to Bangladesh.

Analysts say India wants a stable and democratic government that represents its people and ensures regional peace.

Security in India’s northeast is the main focus. During Hasina’s long tenure, India did not face problems from separatist groups using Bangladesh as a base. Dhaka transferred key leaders who helped with the peace talks to India.

Experts will closely follow the new government’s approach to these issues. Some former diplomats believe India’s security concerns are sometimes exaggerated, noting that Bangladesh’s dependence on India helps maintain stability.

India is preparing for different election results. While the government is ready to engage with any winning party, the BNP appears to be the most stable option. India has recently increased contacts with the BNP and established dialogue channels with Jamaat-e-Islami to ensure working relations with any party that receives a clear mandate.

India’s approach is practical. Past experience shows that it must work with the parties in power. Analysts agree that the main priority is for the new government to address India’s northeastern security concerns. Any government that wants to do this is likely to have strong and stable ties with India.

The Bangladesh elections have created uncertainty for India, but there is confidence that a government with a clear mandate and focused on security will allow for stable and constructive relations.