On August 5, the political landscape of Bangladesh was dramatically altered when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power, marking the end of her leadership since January 2009. What began as student protests against government job quotas escalated into a nationwide crisis, leading to over 130 deaths and Hasina's eventual resignation. As Bangladesh faces this turmoil, India finds itself at a crossroads, potentially losing a trusted ally. In this video, Maj Gen (Retd) takes a deep dive into the underlying causes of the crisis in Bangladesh—exploring the socio-economic factors, the controversial 2024 elections, and the broader pressures exacerbated by COVID-19. We examine how these protests escalated, leading to Hasina's downfall, and the potential consequences of this political upheaval. But beyond the borders of Bangladesh, this crisis poses critical questions for India. How does the ousting of Sheikh Hasina affect India-Bangladesh relations? Has India lost a trusted ally in the region? Under Hasina’s leadership, India and Bangladesh enjoyed strong bilateral ties, particularly in trade, security, and counter-terrorism efforts. Her departure leaves a power vacuum that could be filled by forces less favorable to India, potentially undoing years of diplomatic and economic progress. Moreover, with Sheikh Hasina seeking refuge in India, there is a growing risk of anti-Indian sentiment among the Bangladeshi public, which could further strain relations. This video unpacks the potential implications for India, from the risk of losing a key regional partner to the emergence of new political dynamics that could reshape South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
