Category: South Asia

News and Analyses of events in South Asia

Bangladesh, the US, and the Art of Not Getting Squished

Now, the post-Hasina era has dawned in Bangladesh. Enter Dr. Yunus—Nobel Peace Prize winner, microcredit architect, and the country’s newest interim government head. Dr. Yunus isn’t just planting metaphorical trees; he’s steering a country whose importance in the geopolitical, geoeconomic, and geostrategic chess game is quickly rising. Like a crucial pawn, Bangladesh sits at the intersection of India, China, and the ever-watchful eyes of the United States, increasingly becoming the focus of American interests in the Indo-Pacific. The US has realized it’s a smart move to cozy up to Bangladesh—because, let’s face it, the US isn’t exactly known for its subtlety in foreign policy. They’re now eyeing this South Asian economic tiger cub with the kind of interest previously reserved for its more boisterous neighbors, India and China.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bridging the Divide and Finding Peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

While sorting out land rights is critical, it’s equally important to promote reconciliation between the hill and Bengali populations. Economic development might just be the key to this. Instead of competing for land and resources, both communities could benefit from joint ventures in areas like sustainable agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. The hills are rich in natural beauty, and if properly managed, tourism could provide a major economic boost to both groups. Plus, nothing says “we’re all in this together” like making money off the same tourists.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Neoliberalism: How America Got Rich, Lost Its Morals, and Built a Delusional Deep State Along the Way

The U.S. may have lost its moral compass somewhere in the neoliberal haze, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. The key to reversing the damage is remembering that not everything has to revolve around profit margins and stock prices. There’s still time to write a new story—one where collective wisdom triumphs over corporate greed, and where the American Dream means more than just getting rich while everyone else sinks.

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Categories: America / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe

Geopolitics of South Asia and the Birth of Bangladesh (1945-1975): A Comprehensive Analysis

The US-China-Pakistan axis had significant implications for the 1971 war. The United States, under President Nixon, was reluctant to pressure Pakistan over its actions in East Pakistan, largely because of Pakistan’s role in facilitating the US-China rapprochement. This reluctance was evident in the US response to the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, where reports of atrocities committed by the Pakistani military were downplayed by the US government. The Nixon administration’s support for Pakistan, despite the unfolding genocide in East Pakistan, remains a controversial aspect of US foreign policy during the Cold War.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh’s Future Hinges on Steering Through Uncharted Waters in the Post-Hasina Era

On the other hand, the end of Hasina’s rule presents an opportunity for political renewal. If political parties and civil society groups seize the moment, they can push for a broad-based coalition government committed to greater political freedom, transparency, and accountability. However, achieving this will require significant political will and compromise among Bangladesh’s traditionally polarized parties. The international community, including regional powers like India and global actors like the United States, may also play a crucial role in the process.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh: The Crimson Tide of a Color Revolution

Disclaimer: This essay offers a particular geopolitical perspective. I invite you to read it to gain insight into the current state of affairs, focusing more on objective analysis than on emotional or agitated viewpoints. According to Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, the ongoing conflict and violence related to the student movement for quota reform has…

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Questioning the Future of the Bangladesh-China Relationship

The nature of the MoUs also raises critical questions. Most MoUs in the joint statement speak of hope rather than tangible outcomes, reflecting a diplomatic failure from an economic diplomacy perspective by the newly formed government of Bangladesh. The inability to secure substantial financial commitments or concrete project agreements indicates a gap in effectively conveying Bangladesh’s economic needs and strategic importance to China.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Reimagining Australia-Bangladesh Ties from Recognition to Partnership

With an eye to fortifying its Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia seeks to expand its South Asian engagement beyond its current focus on India. Bangladesh, a nation pulsating with economic potential and a population exceeding 160 million, is seen by Australia as a potential “Asian tiger” poised for a future leap. Recognizing its strategic stake in the northeast Indian Ocean’s stability, Australia is invested in maintaining maritime security and supporting regional nations against external pressure. To this end, Australia desires to cultivate a rapport with the Bangladeshi military through targeted exchanges and educational opportunities. Furthermore, Australia is keen to assist in bolstering Bangladesh’s maritime capabilities in select areas. These endeavors represent the core of Australia’s strategic interests centered on Bangladesh.

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Categories: America / Australia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia / Western Europe

Teesta River Tussle: Can the Netherlands Help Untangle Rivers in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh faces a strategic dilemma. Engaging either India or China, both interested in Teesta River projects, presents its own set of challenges. India views the Teesta as part of its strategic “backyard,” with the river flowing close to the “Chicken Neck” corridor, a vital link connecting India’s Northeast with the mainland. Indian concerns center on maintaining regional stability and influence. China, on the other hand, sees the Teesta as an opportunity to expand its economic footprint in South Asia. However, Chinese involvement raises eyebrows in India, who fears a potential shift in regional power dynamics.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

A Transformational Partnership or Power Play in the India-Bangladesh Relationship?

To translate the vision of a transformational partnership into reality will require overcoming several hurdles. Historical disputes, such as those surrounding water rights and enclaves, can create friction. Furthermore, bureaucratic hurdles on both sides can impede progress. Effective and transparent communication between the leaders and their respective bureaucracies is crucial to ensure smooth implementation of agreed-upon initiatives.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia