Revisiting the Rift and Reaffirming Resilience after 53 Years of Division
December 16, 2024Can the scars of 1971 transform into a unified resistance against Indian designs in South Asia?
Today marks 53 years since Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation, splitting from Pakistan. This divisive chapter in South Asian history bears the indelible stamp of India’s active role in destabilizing Pakistan.
India armed, trained, and incited the Mukti Bahini insurgents, orchestrating a strategic assault on Pakistan’s integrity. Indian leaders have brazenly admitted their involvement. Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, proudly recalled in 2015 that Indian soldiers fought beside Mukti Bahini under Indira Gandhi’s leadership—a declaration of hostility masked as triumph.
Indira Gandhi’s infamous boast, “We have drowned the Two-Nation Theory in the Bay of Bengal,” underlined India’s long-standing antagonism towards Pakistan’s very existence. This hostility, now amplified under Modi’s BJP regime, has manifested in rising Islamophobia and relentless efforts to undermine Muslim-majority nations.
The irony lies in Bengal’s pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan. The All-India Muslim League, formed in Dhaka in 1906, unified Muslims against oppressive forces. The sacrifice of Bengal’s leaders for the Pakistan Movement remains a testament to their commitment to the idea of a sovereign Muslim nation.
India’s interference did not end with Bangladesh’s creation in 1971. Over decades, New Delhi has sought undue influence over Dhaka. However, this dominance is being challenged. Recent protests in Bangladesh, fueled by anti-India sentiment, led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s pro-India government. This significant shift culminated in Bangladesh announcing renewed ties with Pakistan.
Bangladeshis are increasingly wary of India’s meddling. The student-led uprising against Indian interference marks a rejection of hegemonic designs. It also reaffirms Bangladesh’s Muslim identity, refuting Indira Gandhi’s claim that the Two-Nation Theory had been obliterated.
As Pakistan and Bangladesh revisit historical bonds, they hold an opportunity to counter India’s disruptive ambitions. A united front between these nations could foster regional stability and combat external interference effectively. The growing realization among Bangladeshis that India’s intentions extend beyond partnership signals hope for a balanced future.
India’s role in 1971 wasn’t an isolated incident. Even today, its proxies work to destabilize Pakistan, highlighting the need for vigilance and solidarity among South Asia’s Muslim-majority nations. Strengthened ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh could act as a counterweight to India’s regional ambitions, reinforcing unity against divisive forces.
Today serves not just as a reminder of past wounds but as a chance to heal. The enduring relevance of the Two-Nation Theory and the potential for a united stance against hegemonic forces underscore the necessity of forging a resilient, cooperative future in South Asia.