PM: BAF to get high-performance fighter planes

[Isa Khan]

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the process is ongoing to purchase ultra-modern and high-performance fighter planes for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as part of the government’s move to make the force more developed and modern to implement the “Forces Goal 2030”.

“The process is underway to purchase more modern and high-performance fighter planes and other equipment for the air force aimed at making it further developed and modern to implement the ‘Forces Goal 2030’,” she said while virtually addressing the “President Parade (Winter) 2020” as the chief guest from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Besides, the BAF is soon going to get the air defence system integration, unmanned aerial vehicle system, mobile gap filler radar and ultra-modern air defence radar, she said.

The prime minister further said her government has signed an agreement to purchase five ultra-modern C-130J transport aircrafts, three of which have already reached the country, while PT-6 Simulator is set to be inducted soon in the BAF.

To ensure proper and developed training for air cadets, seven K-8W jet trainer aircraft have already been added to the fleet of the air force, she continued, saying: “The government is firmly committed to continue the pace of advancement of the air force.”

After assuming office after 21 years, the prime minister said they have taken measures for overall development of the air force following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“We have purchased the most modern supersonic fighter planes, MIG-29s, for the air force alongside high-power planes, helicopters, radars, missiles that can be launched from land to air and modern war weapons and main equipment to make the force more modern and technology based,” she continued.

The prime minister said that they have recently opened Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, adding: “We will attain the ability to build fighter planes, transport aircrafts and helicopters with the knowledge to be obtained from the university.”

She continued: “We can even reach aerospace one day by exercising science. We will make efforts to this end.”

Noting that the air force will go one step ahead to establish a knowledge based society in accordance with the “Vision 2041” through the university, she said her government will always stand beside the Bangladesh Air Force for this endeavour.

She recalled the contribution of Bangabandhu in building the armed forces with limited resources during his three and a half years of tenure alongside building a war-ravaged country.

Hasina said Bangabandhu had purchased the most modern fighter jets, Mig-21s, modern transport aircraft, air defence system and helicopters for the air force.

Bangladesh Air Force arranged a spectacular parade and fly-past marking the occasion which the prime minister virtually witnessed from her residence.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat later gave a vote of thanks to the prime minister for joining the program.

He, on behalf of the prime minister, earlier distributed ‘Sword of Honour’, ‘Chief of Air Staff Trophy’, ‘Commandant's Trophy’ and other prizes among the best cadets.

Hasina to cadets: Serve the nation being imbued with patriotism

Sheikh Hasina called upon the cadets of the air force to serve the nation being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War and patriotism.

She said: “I want to tell each member of the air force to keep in mind that we had achieved independence through a war. So you would have to make yourself prepared enough so that you can move around the world keeping your heads high.”

The prime minister said her government has been working tirelessly to do whatever is necessary for the armed forces so their personnel could compete with the members of the army, navy and air forces of other countries with whom they are working in the UN peacekeeping missions.

“We are doing our best to make sure that Bangladesh does not lag behind [any country] in any field,” she said.

Hasina urged the freshers to prepare themselves utilizing the training obtained from the Bangladesh Air Force in such a way that they could fulfill the desire of Bangladesh.

She greeted the air force personnel as they extended helping hands in face of the Covid-19 pandemic saying: “You have set an example with the measures to bring medicare equipment from China and South Korea alongside reaching humanitarian assistances to different countries, including the Maldives and Lebanon and bringing the Bangladeshi nationals who were stranded in different countries during the pandemic to our homelands.”

She also appreciated their measures to bring the Covid-19 patients to Dhaka and arrange treatment for them and rescue some students from Himchhari.

Hasina said the green movement which was initiated by planting improved seeds at Nijhum Deep, Domar Char and remote areas across the country by the air force will help maintain the balance of nature.

The prime minister said her government has initiated the measures of spreading seeds at hilly, char and remote areas across the country through helicopters.

Sheikh Hasina reiterated her vow to build by 2041 a developed and prosperous country free from hunger and poverty as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.

Describing the cadets as the soldiers of 2041, the prime minister said they have to work for building Bangladesh as a “Sonar Bangladesh” following the ideology of Bangabandhu.

PM: BAF to get high-performance fighter planes

The government has taken measures for the overall development of the air force following the footsteps of Bangabandhu, says Sheikh Hasina

www.dhakatribune.com

 

[Baron]

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the process is ongoing to purchase ultra-modern and high-performance fighter planes for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as part of the government’s move to make the force more developed and modern to implement the “Forces Goal 2030”.

“The process is underway to purchase more modern and high-performance fighter planes and other equipment for the air force aimed at making it further developed and modern to implement the ‘Forces Goal 2030’,” she said while virtually addressing the “President Parade (Winter) 2020” as the chief guest from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Besides, the BAF is soon going to get the air defence system integration, unmanned aerial vehicle system, mobile gap filler radar and ultra-modern air defence radar, she said.

The prime minister further said her government has signed an agreement to purchase five ultra-modern C-130J transport aircrafts, three of which have already reached the country, while PT-6 Simulator is set to be inducted soon in the BAF.

To ensure proper and developed training for air cadets, seven K-8W jet trainer aircraft have already been added to the fleet of the air force, she continued, saying: “The government is firmly committed to continue the pace of advancement of the air force.”

After assuming office after 21 years, the prime minister said they have taken measures for overall development of the air force following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“We have purchased the most modern supersonic fighter planes, MIG-29s, for the air force alongside high-power planes, helicopters, radars, missiles that can be launched from land to air and modern war weapons and main equipment to make the force more modern and technology based,” she continued.

The prime minister said that they have recently opened Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, adding: “We will attain the ability to build fighter planes, transport aircrafts and helicopters with the knowledge to be obtained from the university.”

She continued: “We can even reach aerospace one day by exercising science. We will make efforts to this end.”

Noting that the air force will go one step ahead to establish a knowledge based society in accordance with the “Vision 2041” through the university, she said her government will always stand beside the Bangladesh Air Force for this endeavour.

She recalled the contribution of Bangabandhu in building the armed forces with limited resources during his three and a half years of tenure alongside building a war-ravaged country.

Hasina said Bangabandhu had purchased the most modern fighter jets, Mig-21s, modern transport aircraft, air defence system and helicopters for the air force.

Bangladesh Air Force arranged a spectacular parade and fly-past marking the occasion which the prime minister virtually witnessed from her residence.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat later gave a vote of thanks to the prime minister for joining the program.

He, on behalf of the prime minister, earlier distributed ‘Sword of Honour’, ‘Chief of Air Staff Trophy’, ‘Commandant's Trophy’ and other prizes among the best cadets.

Hasina to cadets: Serve the nation being imbued with patriotism

Sheikh Hasina called upon the cadets of the air force to serve the nation being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War and patriotism.

She said: “I want to tell each member of the air force to keep in mind that we had achieved independence through a war. So you would have to make yourself prepared enough so that you can move around the world keeping your heads high.”

The prime minister said her government has been working tirelessly to do whatever is necessary for the armed forces so their personnel could compete with the members of the army, navy and air forces of other countries with whom they are working in the UN peacekeeping missions.

“We are doing our best to make sure that Bangladesh does not lag behind [any country] in any field,” she said.

Hasina urged the freshers to prepare themselves utilizing the training obtained from the Bangladesh Air Force in such a way that they could fulfill the desire of Bangladesh.

She greeted the air force personnel as they extended helping hands in face of the Covid-19 pandemic saying: “You have set an example with the measures to bring medicare equipment from China and South Korea alongside reaching humanitarian assistances to different countries, including the Maldives and Lebanon and bringing the Bangladeshi nationals who were stranded in different countries during the pandemic to our homelands.”

She also appreciated their measures to bring the Covid-19 patients to Dhaka and arrange treatment for them and rescue some students from Himchhari.

Hasina said the green movement which was initiated by planting improved seeds at Nijhum Deep, Domar Char and remote areas across the country by the air force will help maintain the balance of nature.

The prime minister said her government has initiated the measures of spreading seeds at hilly, char and remote areas across the country through helicopters.

Sheikh Hasina reiterated her vow to build by 2041 a developed and prosperous country free from hunger and poverty as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.

Describing the cadets as the soldiers of 2041, the prime minister said they have to work for building Bangladesh as a “Sonar Bangladesh” following the ideology of Bangabandhu.

[URL

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the process is ongoing to purchase ultra-modern and high-performance fighter planes for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as part of the government’s move to make the force more developed and modern to implement the “Forces Goal 2030”.

“The process is underway to purchase more modern and high-performance fighter planes and other equipment for the air force aimed at making it further developed and modern to implement the ‘Forces Goal 2030’,” she said while virtually addressing the “President Parade (Winter) 2020” as the chief guest from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Besides, the BAF is soon going to get the air defence system integration, unmanned aerial vehicle system, mobile gap filler radar and ultra-modern air defence radar, she said.

The prime minister further said her government has signed an agreement to purchase five ultra-modern C-130J transport aircrafts, three of which have already reached the country, while PT-6 Simulator is set to be inducted soon in the BAF.

To ensure proper and developed training for air cadets, seven K-8W jet trainer aircraft have already been added to the fleet of the air force, she continued, saying: “The government is firmly committed to continue the pace of advancement of the air force.”

After assuming office after 21 years, the prime minister said they have taken measures for overall development of the air force following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“We have purchased the most modern supersonic fighter planes, MIG-29s, for the air force alongside high-power planes, helicopters, radars, missiles that can be launched from land to air and modern war weapons and main equipment to make the force more modern and technology based,” she continued.

The prime minister said that they have recently opened Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, adding: “We will attain the ability to build fighter planes, transport aircrafts and helicopters with the knowledge to be obtained from the university.”

She continued: “We can even reach aerospace one day by exercising science. We will make efforts to this end.”

Noting that the air force will go one step ahead to establish a knowledge based society in accordance with the “Vision 2041” through the university, she said her government will always stand beside the Bangladesh Air Force for this endeavour.

She recalled the contribution of Bangabandhu in building the armed forces with limited resources during his three and a half years of tenure alongside building a war-ravaged country.

Hasina said Bangabandhu had purchased the most modern fighter jets, Mig-21s, modern transport aircraft, air defence system and helicopters for the air force.

Bangladesh Air Force arranged a spectacular parade and fly-past marking the occasion which the prime minister virtually witnessed from her residence.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat later gave a vote of thanks to the prime minister for joining the program.

He, on behalf of the prime minister, earlier distributed ‘Sword of Honour’, ‘Chief of Air Staff Trophy’, ‘Commandant's Trophy’ and other prizes among the best cadets.

Hasina to cadets: Serve the nation being imbued with patriotism

Sheikh Hasina called upon the cadets of the air force to serve the nation being imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War and patriotism.

She said: “I want to tell each member of the air force to keep in mind that we had achieved independence through a war. So you would have to make yourself prepared enough so that you can move around the world keeping your heads high.”

The prime minister said her government has been working tirelessly to do whatever is necessary for the armed forces so their personnel could compete with the members of the army, navy and air forces of other countries with whom they are working in the UN peacekeeping missions.

“We are doing our best to make sure that Bangladesh does not lag behind [any country] in any field,” she said.

Hasina urged the freshers to prepare themselves utilizing the training obtained from the Bangladesh Air Force in such a way that they could fulfill the desire of Bangladesh.

She greeted the air force personnel as they extended helping hands in face of the Covid-19 pandemic saying: “You have set an example with the measures to bring medicare equipment from China and South Korea alongside reaching humanitarian assistances to different countries, including the Maldives and Lebanon and bringing the Bangladeshi nationals who were stranded in different countries during the pandemic to our homelands.”

She also appreciated their measures to bring the Covid-19 patients to Dhaka and arrange treatment for them and rescue some students from Himchhari.

Hasina said the green movement which was initiated by planting improved seeds at Nijhum Deep, Domar Char and remote areas across the country by the air force will help maintain the balance of nature.

The prime minister said her government has initiated the measures of spreading seeds at hilly, char and remote areas across the country through helicopters.

Sheikh Hasina reiterated her vow to build by 2041 a developed and prosperous country free from hunger and poverty as envisioned by the Father of the Nation.

Describing the cadets as the soldiers of 2041, the prime minister said they have to work for building Bangladesh as a “Sonar Bangladesh” following the ideology of Bangabandhu.

PM: BAF to get high-performance fighter planes

The government has taken measures for the overall development of the air force following the footsteps of Bangabandhu, says Sheikh Hasina

www.dhakatribune.com

The deal is probably going to be announced in 2022 air show.

 

[Madokafc]

Which one? Rafale? Euro Fighter or F15 EX?

 

[Gary]

Bangladesh airspace isn't that big, a single engine LWF I think is best suited. Talking bout JF-17 or F-16. Single engine jets are best suited for sortie generation and availability of jets.

 

[ekemenirtu]

Bangladesh airspace isn't that big, a single engine LWF I think is best suited. Talking bout JF-17 or F-16. Single engine jets are best suited for sortie generation and availability of jets.

Not a valid argument.

Bangladesh is bigger than at least the following territories:

Singapore
Bahrain
Kuwait
Qatar
"Israel"/Zionist regime (depending on how you view it)
Taiwan/Republic of China (depending on how you call it)
South Korea/Republic of Korea (again, depends on how you call it).
Armenia
Azerbaijan

And comparable in area to
Greece
Syria

In that list above, I can find quite a few countries with relatively powerful air forces, as measured solely by their inventory of fighter aircrafts, and quite a few of them also use double engined fighter jets.

 

[ekemenirtu]

Without approval from New Delhi and Washington D.C., no chance.

I predict this transaction will materialize only if Indonesian air power surpasses the combined airpower of Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran.

We will have to wait and see if this prediction comes true.

 

[Gary]

Not a valid argument.

Bangladesh is bigger than at least the following territories:

Singapore
Bahrain
Kuwait
Qatar
"Israel"/Zionist regime (depending on how you view it)
Taiwan/Republic of China (depending on how you call it)
South Korea/Republic of Korea (again, depends on how you call it).
Armenia
Azerbaijan

And comparable in area to
Greece
Syria

In that list above, I can find quite a few countries with relatively powerful air forces, as measured solely by their inventory of fighter aircrafts, and quite a few of them also use double engined fighter jets.

I said, not a very big airspace. Sure it's larger than the following you mention, but again you need to take into consideration the cost of operating let's say an F-15, how much does their defense budget allow for this??

 

[ekemenirtu]

I said, not a very big airspace. Sure it's larger than the following you mention, but again you need to take into consideration the cost of operating let's say an F-15, how much does their defense budget allow for this??

Cost was never a consideration in your earlier comment.

Only the size of the airspace was a matter of consideration.

By that consideration, Bangladesh is bigger than or comparable to quite a few countries that maintain relatively powerful fighter aircrafts in their inventory.

 

[Gary]

By that consideration, Bangladesh is bigger than or comparable to quite a few countries that maintain relatively powerful fighter aircrafts in their inventory.

Ok, I accept that.

 

[Gary]

Only the size of the airspace was a matter of consideration.

I do give a hint on sortie generation and availability of jets if you missed anything, which is much about cost.

 

[ekemenirtu]

I do give a hint on sortie generation and availability of jets if you missed anything, which is much about cost.

Sortie generation and availability of fighter jets is more about maintenance, support infrastructure, logistics and training rather than cost.

Without adequately trained personnel, adequate infrastructure, spare parts and ammunition, fighter jet availability will suffer and the number of sorties generated in a day will be low.

That is irrespective of the size of the budget allocated to the air force.

However, a highly efficient and effective air force can do wonders on a tight budget.

Look at the Israeli Air Force budget and compare with the Saudi Air Force budget. I suspect the IAF is able to outperform the RSAF in terms of sortie rates and fighter jet availability.

 

[Gary]

Sortie generation and availability of fighter jets is more about maintenance, support infrastructure, logistics and training rather than cost.

this will all comes to the budget, you will need more $ to sustain the operational readiness of a jet if it has more than 1 engine, again making single engine LWF fighter a better choice.

even in the case of Indonesia, I would rather us have a whole air fleet of F-16 in numbers spread across the country instead of having long range dual-engine jets like sukhois.

 

[Baron]

Without approval from New Delhi and Washington D.C., no chance.

I predict this transaction will materialize only if Indonesian air power surpasses the combined airpower of Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran.

We will have to wait and see if this prediction comes true.

What makes you think that we have to take permission from Delhi to buy fighters?Even if you said only Washington it would have made some sense.BAF is going to add Eurofighters or Rafales as MRCA.

 

[Isa Khan]

Which one? Rafale? Euro Fighter or F15 EX?

You already know all from PDF i believe. Most likely EFT. At least that's the rumor. UK said that they would assist us to get MRCA. So that would be EFT. Rafale was offered. F-15EX? Hell no.

Bangladesh airspace isn't that big, a single engine LWF I think is best suited. Talking bout JF-17 or F-16. Single engine jets are best suited for sortie generation and availability of jets.

Two engines better than one engine. For maritime strike role we will need a twin engine at least.

Without approval from New Delhi and Washington D.C., no chance.

Can we drop this silly Pakistani thought about New Delhi's influence? U.S can't do anything if we don't buy anything from them.

 

[ekemenirtu]

this will all comes to the budget, you will need more $ to sustain the operational readiness of a jet if it has more than 1 engine, again making single engine LWF fighter a better choice.

It does not.

A salient counterexample in the form of Royal Saudi Air Force or RSAF compared to the Israeli Air Force or IAF was provided for that purpose. Already.

As a moderator, you should have done better.

even in the case of Indonesia, I would rather us have a whole air fleet of F-16 in numbers spread across the country instead of having long range dual-engine jets like sukhois.

That is entirely your prerogative.

I respect your choice. I also hope you respect that not everybody will hold the same opinions.

 

[ekemenirtu]

What makes you think that we have to take permission from Delhi to buy fighters?Even if you said only Washington it would have made some sense.

Can we drop this silly Pakistani thought about New Delhi's influence? U.S can't do anything if we don't buy anything from them.

If the two of you would kindly allow me to repost an elaborate article detailing the ground reality and the dynamics governing Bangladesh's current government's relationship with the USA and India, I would like to share the following.


Bangladesh General Elections and India: From Blatant Engineering to Colonial Control?

Bangladesh General Elections and India: From Blatant Engineering to Colonial Control?​

in South Asia — by M Adil Khan — July 5, 2018

Until 2008, Bangladesh elections did not attract much attention in Indiaand at the same, within Bangladesh, India never figured as an important factor in any of its election discussions, neither.This changed since 2008. Although seeds of the change were sown more immediately in the aftermath of the end of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rule in 2006, its origin goes back to the evolving character of politics of Bangladesh,especially since 1975.

In 1975,numerous coups and counter coups contributed to Ziaur Rahman, the military commander and a liberation war hero assuming power who also formed within couple of years his own political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, BNP.

Zia re-oriented Bangladesh both ideologically that promoted the notion of a Bangladeshi national identity based on its majority faith, Islam. He also redefined Bangladesh’s geopolitical arrangements leaning more towards the Islamic block. Until August 1975 Bangladesh’s foreign policy was dictated by a‘25-year India/Bangladesh friendship treaty’ that gave India disproportionate control over Bangladesh’s foreign and defence policies. Zia scrapped the treaty. India was unhappy but not hostile.

BNP Leaders in Delhi
India’s ire with BNP started andintensified after Zia’s death, more pronouncedly since 1990 when after staying few years in the political wilderness, the partyreturned to power through a first ever free and fair election in the country. During its first tenure, BNP focused more on development issues and less on foreign relations. But it was during its second term, 2001-2006, that India became particularly unhappy with BNP as the partyleaned more and more towards the Islamic block especially Pakistan. India was also annoyedas it blamed BNPfor alleged collaboration with Pakistan’s notorious ISI, its military intelligence in supporting cross—border insurgencies in its North East.

The discord between BNP and India was mutual – while, India regarded BNP as a security threat, BNP viewed India as an impediment to Bangladesh’s progress.

In end 2006, BNP’s second term ended amidst allegations of massive corruption, harbouring of cross—border terrorism against India and promotion of Islamic sectarian politics in Bangladesh. Furthermore, against the backdrop of growing mutual dislike between itself as the prospect of an election loomed, India for the first time became openly active in Bangladesh’s internal politics, with the aim to replace BNP with the party of their choice, the Awami League (AL), in the seat of government.

2008 Election and India: the beginning of engineering

An army backed Care-Taker Government (CTG) took over power in 2007 and under its supervision, an election was held in 2008 and as was predicted and given BNP’s poor record in governing it lost the election and AL won. Up to this was fine. Given BNP’s poor record in governance no one doubted that AL win but what surprised most observers was the magnitude of the victory – AL won with two/third majority and this is where India’s engineering of Bangladesh’s election first began and became evident.

Indeed it is surmised that one individual that played a key role in catalysing India’s engineering of Bangladesh election outcomes was none other than the then Foreign Minister, Mr. Pronob Mukherjee whom Sheikh Hasina, the leader of AL addresses as ‘Dada’ (brother). India’s backing of AL did produce its desired result but as could be expected, not without a price.

Indeed, reporting on India’s role in AL’s victory and AL’s subsequent gratuitous reciprocation to India,the Economist, recorded how ‘bag full of Indian cash and advice’ produced dramatic results for the AL and thathow ever since this victory, “….. relations with India have blossomed…..Bangladesh has cracked down on extremists with ties to Pakistan or India’s home-grown terrorist group, the Indian Mujahideen, as well as on vociferous Islamist (and anti-Indian) politicians in the country. India feels that bit safer.”AL’s 2008 victory also resulted in granting of numerous other favours without a quid pro quo,most notably the promised Teesta water never flowed to irrigate and navigate Bangladesh Rivers.AL’s gratitude and subservience to India also had a sad side to it. At this time when India’s Border Security Forces were indiscriminately killing border-crossing Bangladeshis – indeed illegally – AL government looked the other way and never complained.

Other changes of ominous nature that have since changed Bangladesh’s political processes for ever followed soon, presumably with India’s nod.After ascending to power in 2008 AL took steps to ensure its permanency in the government. In order to do so, it took full advantage of its two/third majority in the Parliament–reportedly, an outcome of India’s election engineering – and scrapped the non-party election-time Care-Taker Government (CTG) system, a system that while in opposition AL itself once demanded and got installed and a system that has since conducted four elections – including the one that brought AL to power in 2008 – with such integrity and neutrality that it became a world model. However, killed by its midwife and by putting the government controlled Election Commission (EC) in charge of polls,AL has virtually banished all possibilities of fair contest in the country and instead introduced a government controlled poll supervision arrangement that virtually guarantees its permanency in government, an arrangement that obviously suited India.

2014 Election and India: blatant engineering

However despite these opportunistic changes and because of its poor record in human rights, corruption, rule of law and also due to deteriorating law and order etc. AL’s popularity plummeted by the end of its tenure in 2013 and as another election neared, AL sensed troubleespecially because its adversary, the BNP which it subjected to untold repression and suppression during the last 4 years of its rule re-surged as a formidable force.

Encouraged by its renewed strength BNP started to prepare to participate in the upcoming 2014 election, but fearing another engineering from within and outside, it was reluctant to do sothrough the government controlled EC system. They demanded re-introduction of the non-party CTG system, as poll supervisor. However, given its dwindling popularity, this was too much of a risk for AL to take and thus it refused to revert to CTG system. BNP remained adamant and decided to boycott the election. This shook AL and also its patron India. India immediately got into the act to the rescue its client.

By ignoring all diplomatic norms India got itself engaged in Bangladesh’s election process quite openly and its top bureaucrats became regular visitors to Dhaka, lobbying and pressurizing brazenly various opposition parties including BNP to participate in the election under the EC system.

Indians also started to lobby the international community in a partisan manner arguing that AL was West’s best bet in their fight against ‘Islamic terrorism’ and thus an AL ‘win’ in the ensuing election is a must and not be compromised. However, as BNP’s – the only credible opposition party in Bangladesh – boycott of election became more and more evident, India’s biggest challenge was to find an ‘opposition’ to give the election result – which no one had any doubt what that would be – some legitimacy.

India’s scheming bureaucrats got into action with incredible zeal to manufacture an ‘opposition and found in the Jatiyo Party (JP) – party of the much despised and deposed military ruler, Ershad -a willing partner. JP agreed to ‘participate’ in the ‘election’ in exchange of basket-full of favours in a post-election AL government.

Thus JP ‘participated’ and AL ‘won’ and JP got its promised gifts. JPis now both an opposition in the Parliament and also a partner in the government, it holds several cabinet posts and the party chief, Ershad who once earned the unenviable title of BiswaBehaya (the most shameless person on earth)became a special envoy of the Prime Minister.

This is how India, World’s largest democracy created history by engineering one of world’s worst.Commenting on the farcical nature of the 2014 Bangladesh General Election the Hindu, a leading newspaper in India observed at the time that “By every account, the January 5 election [of 2014], Bangladesh’s 10th so far, was a low point for democracy. The boycott of the 18-member Opposition alliance meant half the seats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won were uncontested, and about half of the remainder were against unknown candidates with estimates of the turnout just 22-30% of the voting population.” Furthermore, even though West would always prefer a government in Bangladesh, a Muslim majority country that takes a strong stand against ‘Islamic terrorism’ and AL promised to do so, they found the engineering a bit too much to stomach. Thus they refused to endorse the ‘election’ which the US slammed by saying that it was “disappointed” andUK, Australia and the EU actually called for “another poll at the earliest.”

“Another poll” never happened. AL continued to rule,without any legal and moral legitimacy and with impunity. It unleashed unimaginable brutal and dubious legal means – which is continuing till to date – to suppress and marginalise the opposition, allegedly, with India’s help. Indeed, according to Shafquat Rabee, a social media activist that in post 2014 periods India’s control over Bangladesh complete and all-encompassing that “Many in Bangladesh now believe…….that India is behind the day–to-day security protection of certain Bangladeshi leaders. India is carrying out stealth operations inside Bangladesh wearing Bangladeshi forces’ dresses. India has trained and sent special operations teams in Bangladesh.”

India rejects these claims as “outrageous and unfounded” but with another general election in Bangladesh looming at the end of 2018, its domineering role in Bangladesh’s internal politics has not only re-surfaced but it is re-appearing with a worrying difference giving much credence to this theory.

Upcoming 2018 Election and India: from blatant engineering to colonial domination

With general election in Bangladesh lurching and with ruling AL’s popularity plummetingagain and in the absence of its old ally, the Congress in the government in India, AL includingSheikh Hasina, the PM of Bangladesh herself are vigorously lobbying the BJP government for its patronage(read this as engineering) in the election. Indeed, reporting on a recent meeting between Hasina and Modi, the Indian PM in Kolkata in May this year, the Anandabazarrevealed thatthe Bangladesh prime minister made a fervent appeal to her Indian counterpart for support, while reminding him of the favours her government had extended to his countryespecially in tackling militant insurgencies in India’s Northeast and suppressing Islamists and also of the support the party provided to India “…..in all its international endeavours since her party came to power in January 2009”. Quoting unspecified sources, the Ananda Bazar also reported that Sheikh Hasina further reminded Modi that if AL failed to ‘win’ the upcoming election, “India would have another Pakistan on its eastern front” alluding to the BNP, its rival as a ‘pro-Pakistan’ party and thus arguingthat if BNP comes to power it would risk India’s security, with Pakistan’s helpall over again.

However, what is quite revealing in the current dynamics and something that had never happened in the political landscape of Bangladesh before, is that the opposition BNP, often regarded as ‘anti-Indian’ and a staunchly nationalist political party has also become a cahoot in the cabal. In June the BNP had sent a high-powered delegation to Delhi and met BJP heavies and while promising to assist India in its security concerns and stressing that if elected the party would never allow and/or support any cross-border insurgency activities on Bangladesh’s soil, argued that it is in India’s interest that they be seen as a “champion of democracy and human rights” in the coming election and not be partisan and support Sheikh Hasina who according to BNP is building a “one-party rule” in Bangladesh. BNP delegationappealed to the Modi government to support a free and fair election and play “a constructive role, and not back any one party in the elections.” Following the trail of AL and BNP, other political leaders including Ershad have also joined the cavalcade to Delhi.

As could be predicted, parleys with India by the two rival major Bangladeshi parties for the election-time patronage have degenerated into usual AL/BNP spat. The pro-AL local media have greeted BNP’s- a party that until recently projected itself as a staunch nationalist party and AL as India’s stooge -lobby with Indiawith sarcasm though BNP claims that that there is an important difference between them and AL – AL wants Modi to arrange its win, BNP appealed to India to ensure a free and fair election.

Regardless, the ominous dimension of the pilgrimage of Bangladeshi politicians to India on the eve of another general election in Bangladesh drives one hard and unpalatable truth which is that it is not the people of Bangladesh but India that decides who they be governed by – this is nothing but a clear manifestation of colonial structuration of relations thatcurrently existing between the two countries.

On Delhi’s defence this can indeed be claimed that so far they have remained non-committal and has indicated that they may not take any particular side. Some in Indian media have counselled Modi governmentit must not to put ‘all eggs in the same basket’. But putting different ‘eggs’ in different baskets hardly changes the fundamental and this is because in a colonial arrangement that currently characterizes Delhi/Dhaka relationship ‘eggs’ may be different but the ‘basket’ would still be Delhi’s – they would be calling the shots, not Bangladeshis.

Indeed, in this evolving self-inflicted self-colonizing political scenario,the people of Bangladesh has lost their freedom. Thanks to self-seeking politics, their leaders have turned them into a flock of sheep to be herded by India. This is both sad and also dangerous.

Capture of Bangladeshi institutions, engineering election outcomes and installation of puppet governments in Bangladesh by India to fill its hegemonic aspirations may help the latter in the interim but a whole nation disrespected and cornered over a long period of time is unlikely to be in its best interest. Pakistan tried that for over 25 years, they tried to subdue, exploit and plunder erstwhile East Pakistanis through puppet regimes but failed. A time came when‘East Pakistanis’, the Bengalis of Pakistan’s eastern wing – 90% of whom are Muslims –rose against their Muslim cousins, kicked them out and separated from them in bloodied conditions.

Indeed, prolonged suppression of popular wills has its risks, so would ‘Dadagiri’, eventually!

In order to chart a more mutually respectful and thus a more enduring relationship between the two countries what is required is that both countries understand and appreciate each other’s needs and fears in equal measure. Bangladesh has to realize that India is an important and a powerful neighbour and therefore, it is not in its best interest to do things that threaten its neighbour’s interests especially its security interests and at the same time, as Kofi Anan once said, “No nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others” India also has to appreciate that colonial domination and by installing puppet and unpopular governments in its neighbourhood may give it temporary but not enduring reprieve. If history is any guide, such an approach may do just the opposite. While India has to ensure that it does not have another Pakistan next door, it also has to make sure that its actions do not produce another Kashmir in its backyard.

Therefore, as fast growing economies both India and Bangladesh must look at opportunities that benefit them mutually and also equitably and promote activities that strengthen each other’s security as well as sovereignty.

The Bangladesh 2018 election offers a good opportunity to both India and Bangladesh to end an arrangement that is unhealthy and mutually predatory and make a new beginning, working together towards lasting peace, security and prosperity of their people.





Some salient points worth considering:

1. "Until 2008, Bangladesh elections did not attract much attention in India and at the same, within Bangladesh, India never figured as an important factor in any of its election discussions, neither.This changed since 2008. Although seeds of the change were sown more immediately in the aftermath of the end of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rule in 2006, its origin goes back to the evolving character of politics of Bangladesh,especially since 1975."

2. "the ominous dimension of the pilgrimage of Bangladeshi politicians to India on the eve of another general election in Bangladesh drives one hard and unpalatable truth which is that it is not the people of Bangladesh but India that decides who they be governed by – this is nothing but a clear manifestation of colonial structuration of relations that currently existing between the two countries."

If you can bring alternative facts to challenge the author's arguments, you are most welcome.

Otherwise, you are requested not to engage in meaningless banter.

The current party has been in power in Bangladesh for more than 10 years. They are yet to purchase any piece of military equipment that can threaten the strategic interests of India.

Politically, they have gone out of their way to appease India and lobbied in both the USA and India for them to be installed in power.

Therefore, it is very reasonable to conclude that in the interests of India, no enhancement to the BAF or any other branches of the Bangladeshi Armed Forces would be done so as to pose a threat to India.

Your current PM is said to have told Indians that if she were to lose power, "another Pakistan" to the East of India would emerge.

I believe, most outsiders and neutral observers, quiet anonymous readers or interested members would be able to form their own opinions quite easily based on these facts.

 

[Micheal Corleone]

If the two of you would kindly allow me to repost an elaborate article detailing the ground reality and the dynamics governing Bangladesh's current government's relationship with the USA and India, I would like to share the following.


Bangladesh General Elections and India: From Blatant Engineering to Colonial Control?

Bangladesh General Elections and India: From Blatant Engineering to Colonial Control?​

in South Asia — by M Adil Khan — July 5, 2018

Until 2008, Bangladesh elections did not attract much attention in Indiaand at the same, within Bangladesh, India never figured as an important factor in any of its election discussions, neither.This changed since 2008. Although seeds of the change were sown more immediately in the aftermath of the end of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rule in 2006, its origin goes back to the evolving character of politics of Bangladesh,especially since 1975.

In 1975,numerous coups and counter coups contributed to Ziaur Rahman, the military commander and a liberation war hero assuming power who also formed within couple of years his own political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, BNP.

Zia re-oriented Bangladesh both ideologically that promoted the notion of a Bangladeshi national identity based on its majority faith, Islam. He also redefined Bangladesh’s geopolitical arrangements leaning more towards the Islamic block. Until August 1975 Bangladesh’s foreign policy was dictated by a‘25-year India/Bangladesh friendship treaty’ that gave India disproportionate control over Bangladesh’s foreign and defence policies. Zia scrapped the treaty. India was unhappy but not hostile.

BNP Leaders in Delhi
India’s ire with BNP started andintensified after Zia’s death, more pronouncedly since 1990 when after staying few years in the political wilderness, the partyreturned to power through a first ever free and fair election in the country. During its first tenure, BNP focused more on development issues and less on foreign relations. But it was during its second term, 2001-2006, that India became particularly unhappy with BNP as the partyleaned more and more towards the Islamic block especially Pakistan. India was also annoyedas it blamed BNPfor alleged collaboration with Pakistan’s notorious ISI, its military intelligence in supporting cross—border insurgencies in its North East.

The discord between BNP and India was mutual – while, India regarded BNP as a security threat, BNP viewed India as an impediment to Bangladesh’s progress.

In end 2006, BNP’s second term ended amidst allegations of massive corruption, harbouring of cross—border terrorism against India and promotion of Islamic sectarian politics in Bangladesh. Furthermore, against the backdrop of growing mutual dislike between itself as the prospect of an election loomed, India for the first time became openly active in Bangladesh’s internal politics, with the aim to replace BNP with the party of their choice, the Awami League (AL), in the seat of government.

2008 Election and India: the beginning of engineering

An army backed Care-Taker Government (CTG) took over power in 2007 and under its supervision, an election was held in 2008 and as was predicted and given BNP’s poor record in governing it lost the election and AL won. Up to this was fine. Given BNP’s poor record in governance no one doubted that AL win but what surprised most observers was the magnitude of the victory – AL won with two/third majority and this is where India’s engineering of Bangladesh’s election first began and became evident.

Indeed it is surmised that one individual that played a key role in catalysing India’s engineering of Bangladesh election outcomes was none other than the then Foreign Minister, Mr. Pronob Mukherjee whom Sheikh Hasina, the leader of AL addresses as ‘Dada’ (brother). India’s backing of AL did produce its desired result but as could be expected, not without a price.

Indeed, reporting on India’s role in AL’s victory and AL’s subsequent gratuitous reciprocation to India,the Economist, recorded how ‘bag full of Indian cash and advice’ produced dramatic results for the AL and thathow ever since this victory, “….. relations with India have blossomed…..Bangladesh has cracked down on extremists with ties to Pakistan or India’s home-grown terrorist group, the Indian Mujahideen, as well as on vociferous Islamist (and anti-Indian) politicians in the country. India feels that bit safer.”AL’s 2008 victory also resulted in granting of numerous other favours without a quid pro quo,most notably the promised Teesta water never flowed to irrigate and navigate Bangladesh Rivers.AL’s gratitude and subservience to India also had a sad side to it. At this time when India’s Border Security Forces were indiscriminately killing border-crossing Bangladeshis – indeed illegally – AL government looked the other way and never complained.

Other changes of ominous nature that have since changed Bangladesh’s political processes for ever followed soon, presumably with India’s nod.After ascending to power in 2008 AL took steps to ensure its permanency in the government. In order to do so, it took full advantage of its two/third majority in the Parliament–reportedly, an outcome of India’s election engineering – and scrapped the non-party election-time Care-Taker Government (CTG) system, a system that while in opposition AL itself once demanded and got installed and a system that has since conducted four elections – including the one that brought AL to power in 2008 – with such integrity and neutrality that it became a world model. However, killed by its midwife and by putting the government controlled Election Commission (EC) in charge of polls,AL has virtually banished all possibilities of fair contest in the country and instead introduced a government controlled poll supervision arrangement that virtually guarantees its permanency in government, an arrangement that obviously suited India.

2014 Election and India: blatant engineering

However despite these opportunistic changes and because of its poor record in human rights, corruption, rule of law and also due to deteriorating law and order etc. AL’s popularity plummeted by the end of its tenure in 2013 and as another election neared, AL sensed troubleespecially because its adversary, the BNP which it subjected to untold repression and suppression during the last 4 years of its rule re-surged as a formidable force.

Encouraged by its renewed strength BNP started to prepare to participate in the upcoming 2014 election, but fearing another engineering from within and outside, it was reluctant to do sothrough the government controlled EC system. They demanded re-introduction of the non-party CTG system, as poll supervisor. However, given its dwindling popularity, this was too much of a risk for AL to take and thus it refused to revert to CTG system. BNP remained adamant and decided to boycott the election. This shook AL and also its patron India. India immediately got into the act to the rescue its client.

By ignoring all diplomatic norms India got itself engaged in Bangladesh’s election process quite openly and its top bureaucrats became regular visitors to Dhaka, lobbying and pressurizing brazenly various opposition parties including BNP to participate in the election under the EC system.

Indians also started to lobby the international community in a partisan manner arguing that AL was West’s best bet in their fight against ‘Islamic terrorism’ and thus an AL ‘win’ in the ensuing election is a must and not be compromised. However, as BNP’s – the only credible opposition party in Bangladesh – boycott of election became more and more evident, India’s biggest challenge was to find an ‘opposition’ to give the election result – which no one had any doubt what that would be – some legitimacy.

India’s scheming bureaucrats got into action with incredible zeal to manufacture an ‘opposition and found in the Jatiyo Party (JP) – party of the much despised and deposed military ruler, Ershad -a willing partner. JP agreed to ‘participate’ in the ‘election’ in exchange of basket-full of favours in a post-election AL government.

Thus JP ‘participated’ and AL ‘won’ and JP got its promised gifts. JPis now both an opposition in the Parliament and also a partner in the government, it holds several cabinet posts and the party chief, Ershad who once earned the unenviable title of BiswaBehaya (the most shameless person on earth)became a special envoy of the Prime Minister.

This is how India, World’s largest democracy created history by engineering one of world’s worst.Commenting on the farcical nature of the 2014 Bangladesh General Election the Hindu, a leading newspaper in India observed at the time that “By every account, the January 5 election [of 2014], Bangladesh’s 10th so far, was a low point for democracy. The boycott of the 18-member Opposition alliance meant half the seats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won were uncontested, and about half of the remainder were against unknown candidates with estimates of the turnout just 22-30% of the voting population.” Furthermore, even though West would always prefer a government in Bangladesh, a Muslim majority country that takes a strong stand against ‘Islamic terrorism’ and AL promised to do so, they found the engineering a bit too much to stomach. Thus they refused to endorse the ‘election’ which the US slammed by saying that it was “disappointed” andUK, Australia and the EU actually called for “another poll at the earliest.”

“Another poll” never happened. AL continued to rule,without any legal and moral legitimacy and with impunity. It unleashed unimaginable brutal and dubious legal means – which is continuing till to date – to suppress and marginalise the opposition, allegedly, with India’s help. Indeed, according to Shafquat Rabee, a social media activist that in post 2014 periods India’s control over Bangladesh complete and all-encompassing that “Many in Bangladesh now believe…….that India is behind the day–to-day security protection of certain Bangladeshi leaders. India is carrying out stealth operations inside Bangladesh wearing Bangladeshi forces’ dresses. India has trained and sent special operations teams in Bangladesh.”

India rejects these claims as “outrageous and unfounded” but with another general election in Bangladesh looming at the end of 2018, its domineering role in Bangladesh’s internal politics has not only re-surfaced but it is re-appearing with a worrying difference giving much credence to this theory.

Upcoming 2018 Election and India: from blatant engineering to colonial domination

With general election in Bangladesh lurching and with ruling AL’s popularity plummetingagain and in the absence of its old ally, the Congress in the government in India, AL includingSheikh Hasina, the PM of Bangladesh herself are vigorously lobbying the BJP government for its patronage(read this as engineering) in the election. Indeed, reporting on a recent meeting between Hasina and Modi, the Indian PM in Kolkata in May this year, the Anandabazarrevealed thatthe Bangladesh prime minister made a fervent appeal to her Indian counterpart for support, while reminding him of the favours her government had extended to his countryespecially in tackling militant insurgencies in India’s Northeast and suppressing Islamists and also of the support the party provided to India “…..in all its international endeavours since her party came to power in January 2009”. Quoting unspecified sources, the Ananda Bazar also reported that Sheikh Hasina further reminded Modi that if AL failed to ‘win’ the upcoming election, “India would have another Pakistan on its eastern front” alluding to the BNP, its rival as a ‘pro-Pakistan’ party and thus arguingthat if BNP comes to power it would risk India’s security, with Pakistan’s helpall over again.

However, what is quite revealing in the current dynamics and something that had never happened in the political landscape of Bangladesh before, is that the opposition BNP, often regarded as ‘anti-Indian’ and a staunchly nationalist political party has also become a cahoot in the cabal. In June the BNP had sent a high-powered delegation to Delhi and met BJP heavies and while promising to assist India in its security concerns and stressing that if elected the party would never allow and/or support any cross-border insurgency activities on Bangladesh’s soil, argued that it is in India’s interest that they be seen as a “champion of democracy and human rights” in the coming election and not be partisan and support Sheikh Hasina who according to BNP is building a “one-party rule” in Bangladesh. BNP delegationappealed to the Modi government to support a free and fair election and play “a constructive role, and not back any one party in the elections.” Following the trail of AL and BNP, other political leaders including Ershad have also joined the cavalcade to Delhi.

As could be predicted, parleys with India by the two rival major Bangladeshi parties for the election-time patronage have degenerated into usual AL/BNP spat. The pro-AL local media have greeted BNP’s- a party that until recently projected itself as a staunch nationalist party and AL as India’s stooge -lobby with Indiawith sarcasm though BNP claims that that there is an important difference between them and AL – AL wants Modi to arrange its win, BNP appealed to India to ensure a free and fair election.

Regardless, the ominous dimension of the pilgrimage of Bangladeshi politicians to India on the eve of another general election in Bangladesh drives one hard and unpalatable truth which is that it is not the people of Bangladesh but India that decides who they be governed by – this is nothing but a clear manifestation of colonial structuration of relations thatcurrently existing between the two countries.

On Delhi’s defence this can indeed be claimed that so far they have remained non-committal and has indicated that they may not take any particular side. Some in Indian media have counselled Modi governmentit must not to put ‘all eggs in the same basket’. But putting different ‘eggs’ in different baskets hardly changes the fundamental and this is because in a colonial arrangement that currently characterizes Delhi/Dhaka relationship ‘eggs’ may be different but the ‘basket’ would still be Delhi’s – they would be calling the shots, not Bangladeshis.

Indeed, in this evolving self-inflicted self-colonizing political scenario,the people of Bangladesh has lost their freedom. Thanks to self-seeking politics, their leaders have turned them into a flock of sheep to be herded by India. This is both sad and also dangerous.

Capture of Bangladeshi institutions, engineering election outcomes and installation of puppet governments in Bangladesh by India to fill its hegemonic aspirations may help the latter in the interim but a whole nation disrespected and cornered over a long period of time is unlikely to be in its best interest. Pakistan tried that for over 25 years, they tried to subdue, exploit and plunder erstwhile East Pakistanis through puppet regimes but failed. A time came when‘East Pakistanis’, the Bengalis of Pakistan’s eastern wing – 90% of whom are Muslims –rose against their Muslim cousins, kicked them out and separated from them in bloodied conditions.

Indeed, prolonged suppression of popular wills has its risks, so would ‘Dadagiri’, eventually!

In order to chart a more mutually respectful and thus a more enduring relationship between the two countries what is required is that both countries understand and appreciate each other’s needs and fears in equal measure. Bangladesh has to realize that India is an important and a powerful neighbour and therefore, it is not in its best interest to do things that threaten its neighbour’s interests especially its security interests and at the same time, as Kofi Anan once said, “No nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others” India also has to appreciate that colonial domination and by installing puppet and unpopular governments in its neighbourhood may give it temporary but not enduring reprieve. If history is any guide, such an approach may do just the opposite. While India has to ensure that it does not have another Pakistan next door, it also has to make sure that its actions do not produce another Kashmir in its backyard.

Therefore, as fast growing economies both India and Bangladesh must look at opportunities that benefit them mutually and also equitably and promote activities that strengthen each other’s security as well as sovereignty.

The Bangladesh 2018 election offers a good opportunity to both India and Bangladesh to end an arrangement that is unhealthy and mutually predatory and make a new beginning, working together towards lasting peace, security and prosperity of their people.





Some salient points worth considering:






If you can bring alternative facts to challenge the author's arguments, you are most welcome.

Otherwise, you are requested not to engage in meaningless banter.

The current party has been in power in Bangladesh for more than 10 years. They are yet to purchase any piece of military equipment that can threaten the strategic interests of India.

Politically, they have gone out of their way to appease India and lobbied in both the USA and India for them to be installed in power.

Therefore, it is very reasonable to conclude that in the interests of India, no enhancement to the BAF or any other branches of the Bangladeshi Armed Forces would be done so as to pose a threat to India.

Your current PM is said to have told Indians that if she were to lose power, "another Pakistan" to the East of India would emerge.

I believe, most outsiders and neutral observers, quiet anonymous readers or interested members would be able to form their own opinions quite easily based on these facts.

It was BNP that sent BAF officers to court martial and cancelled mig 29 orders, wanted to sell the 8 delivered and handicapped BAF forever.
zia was involved in killing off many BAF officers after coup in late 70s

 

[Baron]

If the two of you would kindly allow me to repost an elaborate article detailing the ground reality and the dynamics governing Bangladesh's current government's relationship with the USA and India, I would like to share the following.


Bangladesh General Elections and India: From Blatant Engineering to Colonial Control?

Bangladesh General Elections and India: From Blatant Engineering to Colonial Control?​

in South Asia — by M Adil Khan — July 5, 2018

Until 2008, Bangladesh elections did not attract much attention in Indiaand at the same, within Bangladesh, India never figured as an important factor in any of its election discussions, neither.This changed since 2008. Although seeds of the change were sown more immediately in the aftermath of the end of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rule in 2006, its origin goes back to the evolving character of politics of Bangladesh,especially since 1975.

In 1975,numerous coups and counter coups contributed to Ziaur Rahman, the military commander and a liberation war hero assuming power who also formed within couple of years his own political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, BNP.

Zia re-oriented Bangladesh both ideologically that promoted the notion of a Bangladeshi national identity based on its majority faith, Islam. He also redefined Bangladesh’s geopolitical arrangements leaning more towards the Islamic block. Until August 1975 Bangladesh’s foreign policy was dictated by a‘25-year India/Bangladesh friendship treaty’ that gave India disproportionate control over Bangladesh’s foreign and defence policies. Zia scrapped the treaty. India was unhappy but not hostile.

BNP Leaders in Delhi
India’s ire with BNP started andintensified after Zia’s death, more pronouncedly since 1990 when after staying few years in the political wilderness, the partyreturned to power through a first ever free and fair election in the country. During its first tenure, BNP focused more on development issues and less on foreign relations. But it was during its second term, 2001-2006, that India became particularly unhappy with BNP as the partyleaned more and more towards the Islamic block especially Pakistan. India was also annoyedas it blamed BNPfor alleged collaboration with Pakistan’s notorious ISI, its military intelligence in supporting cross—border insurgencies in its North East.

The discord between BNP and India was mutual – while, India regarded BNP as a security threat, BNP viewed India as an impediment to Bangladesh’s progress.

In end 2006, BNP’s second term ended amidst allegations of massive corruption, harbouring of cross—border terrorism against India and promotion of Islamic sectarian politics in Bangladesh. Furthermore, against the backdrop of growing mutual dislike between itself as the prospect of an election loomed, India for the first time became openly active in Bangladesh’s internal politics, with the aim to replace BNP with the party of their choice, the Awami League (AL), in the seat of government.

2008 Election and India: the beginning of engineering

An army backed Care-Taker Government (CTG) took over power in 2007 and under its supervision, an election was held in 2008 and as was predicted and given BNP’s poor record in governing it lost the election and AL won. Up to this was fine. Given BNP’s poor record in governance no one doubted that AL win but what surprised most observers was the magnitude of the victory – AL won with two/third majority and this is where India’s engineering of Bangladesh’s election first began and became evident.

Indeed it is surmised that one individual that played a key role in catalysing India’s engineering of Bangladesh election outcomes was none other than the then Foreign Minister, Mr. Pronob Mukherjee whom Sheikh Hasina, the leader of AL addresses as ‘Dada’ (brother). India’s backing of AL did produce its desired result but as could be expected, not without a price.

Indeed, reporting on India’s role in AL’s victory and AL’s subsequent gratuitous reciprocation to India,the Economist, recorded how ‘bag full of Indian cash and advice’ produced dramatic results for the AL and thathow ever since this victory, “….. relations with India have blossomed…..Bangladesh has cracked down on extremists with ties to Pakistan or India’s home-grown terrorist group, the Indian Mujahideen, as well as on vociferous Islamist (and anti-Indian) politicians in the country. India feels that bit safer.”AL’s 2008 victory also resulted in granting of numerous other favours without a quid pro quo,most notably the promised Teesta water never flowed to irrigate and navigate Bangladesh Rivers.AL’s gratitude and subservience to India also had a sad side to it. At this time when India’s Border Security Forces were indiscriminately killing border-crossing Bangladeshis – indeed illegally – AL government looked the other way and never complained.

Other changes of ominous nature that have since changed Bangladesh’s political processes for ever followed soon, presumably with India’s nod.After ascending to power in 2008 AL took steps to ensure its permanency in the government. In order to do so, it took full advantage of its two/third majority in the Parliament–reportedly, an outcome of India’s election engineering – and scrapped the non-party election-time Care-Taker Government (CTG) system, a system that while in opposition AL itself once demanded and got installed and a system that has since conducted four elections – including the one that brought AL to power in 2008 – with such integrity and neutrality that it became a world model. However, killed by its midwife and by putting the government controlled Election Commission (EC) in charge of polls,AL has virtually banished all possibilities of fair contest in the country and instead introduced a government controlled poll supervision arrangement that virtually guarantees its permanency in government, an arrangement that obviously suited India.

2014 Election and India: blatant engineering

However despite these opportunistic changes and because of its poor record in human rights, corruption, rule of law and also due to deteriorating law and order etc. AL’s popularity plummeted by the end of its tenure in 2013 and as another election neared, AL sensed troubleespecially because its adversary, the BNP which it subjected to untold repression and suppression during the last 4 years of its rule re-surged as a formidable force.

Encouraged by its renewed strength BNP started to prepare to participate in the upcoming 2014 election, but fearing another engineering from within and outside, it was reluctant to do sothrough the government controlled EC system. They demanded re-introduction of the non-party CTG system, as poll supervisor. However, given its dwindling popularity, this was too much of a risk for AL to take and thus it refused to revert to CTG system. BNP remained adamant and decided to boycott the election. This shook AL and also its patron India. India immediately got into the act to the rescue its client.

By ignoring all diplomatic norms India got itself engaged in Bangladesh’s election process quite openly and its top bureaucrats became regular visitors to Dhaka, lobbying and pressurizing brazenly various opposition parties including BNP to participate in the election under the EC system.

Indians also started to lobby the international community in a partisan manner arguing that AL was West’s best bet in their fight against ‘Islamic terrorism’ and thus an AL ‘win’ in the ensuing election is a must and not be compromised. However, as BNP’s – the only credible opposition party in Bangladesh – boycott of election became more and more evident, India’s biggest challenge was to find an ‘opposition’ to give the election result – which no one had any doubt what that would be – some legitimacy.

India’s scheming bureaucrats got into action with incredible zeal to manufacture an ‘opposition and found in the Jatiyo Party (JP) – party of the much despised and deposed military ruler, Ershad -a willing partner. JP agreed to ‘participate’ in the ‘election’ in exchange of basket-full of favours in a post-election AL government.

Thus JP ‘participated’ and AL ‘won’ and JP got its promised gifts. JPis now both an opposition in the Parliament and also a partner in the government, it holds several cabinet posts and the party chief, Ershad who once earned the unenviable title of BiswaBehaya (the most shameless person on earth)became a special envoy of the Prime Minister.

This is how India, World’s largest democracy created history by engineering one of world’s worst.Commenting on the farcical nature of the 2014 Bangladesh General Election the Hindu, a leading newspaper in India observed at the time that “By every account, the January 5 election [of 2014], Bangladesh’s 10th so far, was a low point for democracy. The boycott of the 18-member Opposition alliance meant half the seats Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won were uncontested, and about half of the remainder were against unknown candidates with estimates of the turnout just 22-30% of the voting population.” Furthermore, even though West would always prefer a government in Bangladesh, a Muslim majority country that takes a strong stand against ‘Islamic terrorism’ and AL promised to do so, they found the engineering a bit too much to stomach. Thus they refused to endorse the ‘election’ which the US slammed by saying that it was “disappointed” andUK, Australia and the EU actually called for “another poll at the earliest.”

“Another poll” never happened. AL continued to rule,without any legal and moral legitimacy and with impunity. It unleashed unimaginable brutal and dubious legal means – which is continuing till to date – to suppress and marginalise the opposition, allegedly, with India’s help. Indeed, according to Shafquat Rabee, a social media activist that in post 2014 periods India’s control over Bangladesh complete and all-encompassing that “Many in Bangladesh now believe…….that India is behind the day–to-day security protection of certain Bangladeshi leaders. India is carrying out stealth operations inside Bangladesh wearing Bangladeshi forces’ dresses. India has trained and sent special operations teams in Bangladesh.”

India rejects these claims as “outrageous and unfounded” but with another general election in Bangladesh looming at the end of 2018, its domineering role in Bangladesh’s internal politics has not only re-surfaced but it is re-appearing with a worrying difference giving much credence to this theory.

Upcoming 2018 Election and India: from blatant engineering to colonial domination

With general election in Bangladesh lurching and with ruling AL’s popularity plummetingagain and in the absence of its old ally, the Congress in the government in India, AL includingSheikh Hasina, the PM of Bangladesh herself are vigorously lobbying the BJP government for its patronage(read this as engineering) in the election. Indeed, reporting on a recent meeting between Hasina and Modi, the Indian PM in Kolkata in May this year, the Anandabazarrevealed thatthe Bangladesh prime minister made a fervent appeal to her Indian counterpart for support, while reminding him of the favours her government had extended to his countryespecially in tackling militant insurgencies in India’s Northeast and suppressing Islamists and also of the support the party provided to India “…..in all its international endeavours since her party came to power in January 2009”. Quoting unspecified sources, the Ananda Bazar also reported that Sheikh Hasina further reminded Modi that if AL failed to ‘win’ the upcoming election, “India would have another Pakistan on its eastern front” alluding to the BNP, its rival as a ‘pro-Pakistan’ party and thus arguingthat if BNP comes to power it would risk India’s security, with Pakistan’s helpall over again.

However, what is quite revealing in the current dynamics and something that had never happened in the political landscape of Bangladesh before, is that the opposition BNP, often regarded as ‘anti-Indian’ and a staunchly nationalist political party has also become a cahoot in the cabal. In June the BNP had sent a high-powered delegation to Delhi and met BJP heavies and while promising to assist India in its security concerns and stressing that if elected the party would never allow and/or support any cross-border insurgency activities on Bangladesh’s soil, argued that it is in India’s interest that they be seen as a “champion of democracy and human rights” in the coming election and not be partisan and support Sheikh Hasina who according to BNP is building a “one-party rule” in Bangladesh. BNP delegationappealed to the Modi government to support a free and fair election and play “a constructive role, and not back any one party in the elections.” Following the trail of AL and BNP, other political leaders including Ershad have also joined the cavalcade to Delhi.

As could be predicted, parleys with India by the two rival major Bangladeshi parties for the election-time patronage have degenerated into usual AL/BNP spat. The pro-AL local media have greeted BNP’s- a party that until recently projected itself as a staunch nationalist party and AL as India’s stooge -lobby with Indiawith sarcasm though BNP claims that that there is an important difference between them and AL – AL wants Modi to arrange its win, BNP appealed to India to ensure a free and fair election.

Regardless, the ominous dimension of the pilgrimage of Bangladeshi politicians to India on the eve of another general election in Bangladesh drives one hard and unpalatable truth which is that it is not the people of Bangladesh but India that decides who they be governed by – this is nothing but a clear manifestation of colonial structuration of relations thatcurrently existing between the two countries.

On Delhi’s defence this can indeed be claimed that so far they have remained non-committal and has indicated that they may not take any particular side. Some in Indian media have counselled Modi governmentit must not to put ‘all eggs in the same basket’. But putting different ‘eggs’ in different baskets hardly changes the fundamental and this is because in a colonial arrangement that currently characterizes Delhi/Dhaka relationship ‘eggs’ may be different but the ‘basket’ would still be Delhi’s – they would be calling the shots, not Bangladeshis.

Indeed, in this evolving self-inflicted self-colonizing political scenario,the people of Bangladesh has lost their freedom. Thanks to self-seeking politics, their leaders have turned them into a flock of sheep to be herded by India. This is both sad and also dangerous.

Capture of Bangladeshi institutions, engineering election outcomes and installation of puppet governments in Bangladesh by India to fill its hegemonic aspirations may help the latter in the interim but a whole nation disrespected and cornered over a long period of time is unlikely to be in its best interest. Pakistan tried that for over 25 years, they tried to subdue, exploit and plunder erstwhile East Pakistanis through puppet regimes but failed. A time came when‘East Pakistanis’, the Bengalis of Pakistan’s eastern wing – 90% of whom are Muslims –rose against their Muslim cousins, kicked them out and separated from them in bloodied conditions.

Indeed, prolonged suppression of popular wills has its risks, so would ‘Dadagiri’, eventually!

In order to chart a more mutually respectful and thus a more enduring relationship between the two countries what is required is that both countries understand and appreciate each other’s needs and fears in equal measure. Bangladesh has to realize that India is an important and a powerful neighbour and therefore, it is not in its best interest to do things that threaten its neighbour’s interests especially its security interests and at the same time, as Kofi Anan once said, “No nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others” India also has to appreciate that colonial domination and by installing puppet and unpopular governments in its neighbourhood may give it temporary but not enduring reprieve. If history is any guide, such an approach may do just the opposite. While India has to ensure that it does not have another Pakistan next door, it also has to make sure that its actions do not produce another Kashmir in its backyard.

Therefore, as fast growing economies both India and Bangladesh must look at opportunities that benefit them mutually and also equitably and promote activities that strengthen each other’s security as well as sovereignty.

The Bangladesh 2018 election offers a good opportunity to both India and Bangladesh to end an arrangement that is unhealthy and mutually predatory and make a new beginning, working together towards lasting peace, security and prosperity of their people.





Some salient points worth considering:






If you can bring alternative facts to challenge the author's arguments, you are most welcome.

Otherwise, you are requested not to engage in meaningless banter.

The current party has been in power in Bangladesh for more than 10 years. They are yet to purchase any piece of military equipment that can threaten the strategic interests of India.

Politically, they have gone out of their way to appease India and lobbied in both the USA and India for them to be installed in power.

Therefore, it is very reasonable to conclude that in the interests of India, no enhancement to the BAF or any other branches of the Bangladeshi Armed Forces would be done so as to pose a threat to India.

Your current PM is said to have told Indians that if she were to lose power, "another Pakistan" to the East of India would emerge.

I believe, most outsiders and neutral observers, quiet anonymous readers or interested members would be able to form their own opinions quite easily based on these facts.

I have to ask at this point,are you a Pakistani?


It's true that AL wins elections by cheating but does that mean that have made BD an Indian colony?Hell No.

BD also has good relations with China,And as a local I can tell you that China for last couple of years has more influence on BD than anyone else.They are even making a full size submarine base for BN along with other megaprojects that India wouldn't like (Teesta project is the most notable of them).

So,is BD now a Chinese colony?

It's true that since the last decade they didn't added any notable equipment to threaten India but you have to understand that in 2010 Bangladesh was the poorest country in South Asia.But now thanks to AL we have one of the world's fastest growing economies(even now in covid19) and second highest per capita income in the region better than both nuclear "superpower" India and Pakistan.
And can expect to become a developed country in 20 years.

Your can't hope to have economic growth and massive military at the same time at least not in South Asia.

 

[ekemenirtu]

It was BNP that sent BAF officers to court martial and cancelled mig 29 orders, wanted to sell the 8 delivered and handicapped BAF forever.
zia was involved in killing off many BAF officers after coup in late 70s

Thank you for this highly useful piece of information.

Would you be kind enough to explain how that dovetails with the current Bangladeshi regime's subservient nature to the USA-India axis?

 

[ekemenirtu]

I have to ask at this point,are you a Pakistani?


It's true that AL wins elections by cheating but does that mean that have made BD an Indian colony?Hell No.

BD also has good relations with China,And as a local I can tell you that China for last couple of years has more influence on BD than anyone else.They are even making a full size submarine base for BN along with other megaprojects that India wouldn't like (Teesta project is the most notable of them).

So,is BD now a Chinese colony?

It's true that since the last decade they didn't added any notable equipment to threaten India but you have to understand that in 2010 Bangladesh was the poorest country in South Asia.But now thanks to AL we have one of the world's fastest growing economies(even now in covid19) and second highest per capita income in the region better than both nuclear "superpower" India and Pakistan.
And can expect to become a developed country in 20 years.

Your can't hope to have economic growth and massive military at the same time at least not in South Asia.

I am not a Pakistani.

Although, I have been accused of being a Bangladeshi, a Pakistani, a "South Asian Muslim" and "Arap" by various members.

By your reckoning, there exist no "colonies" today.

Saudi Arabia has purchased various weapons from China, Pakistan purchased weapons from China, Europe, USA, Russia, Turkey and others.

The Syrian regime, Latin American regimes subservient to the USA, Myanmar, Al Saud regime, the regimes in Kuwait, Morocco, Egypt, Chad, Mali, or even the Afghan government installed by the USA can not be called a 'stooge' by your reckoning.

All of them could be said to maintain cordial relations with more than one country. All of them may have purchased some token weapons from multiple suppliers.

I am not sure how that is supposed to indicate their independence.

As outlined by the author of that article, the leaders of both major political parties in your country made a "pilgrimage" to India on the eve of your last general election. Those "pilgrimages" were made with only one objective in mind - to convince India to help them return to power.

If every single one of your major political parties require the consent of Indian administration to return to power, that is definitive evidence that you are an Indian "colony" as much as Bhutan is.

As much as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco are American "colonies" or North Korea is a Chinese "colony" or the Syrian regime is controlled from Moscow.

You could certainly say Pakistan's role towards China is equally subservient. That would not be a highly contentious statement. There is certainly elements of truth in that. Therefore, you would stand vindicated if you say that.

However, if you are trying to explain how the current regime in Bangladesh is not subservient to India by pointing to some innocuous actions that do not harm the interests of India, whatsoever, then I am afraid your effort has been futile.

You could point to Turkey and say it is subservient to the USA. Perhaps, the current regime is not as subservient to the USA as the previous regimes had been, but the fact remains, when the interests of the USA and Turkey collide, even within the bounds of the territory of the Republic of Turkey, it is the interests of the USA that take primacy over the interests of Turkey. A prominent example would be the case of Pastor Brunson.

You could point to India and make similar accusations. You could point to Germany and Japan and make similar accusations.

Canada, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Norway, South Korea, Taiwan and a whole host of other countries could be accused similarly.

However, those countries are not the topic of discussion.

This topic discusses Bangladeshi Air Force procurement plans.

I expressed doubt about such plans.

To prove me wrong, the BAF only needs to procure "high performance fighter planes" within the next two years in adequate quantity to pose a threat to the Indian Air Force Eastern Air Command.

Would you consider that reasonable? I believe that is a reasonable expectation.

If the Bangladeshi regime is indeed not subservient to Indian interests, they would face no problems whatsoever in acquiring however many high performance fighter planes they require to threaten the interests of Indian Eastern Air Command or the interests of Myanmar within the next two years.

Otherwise, I would stand vindicated.

P.S. The actions of the current Bangladeshi regime during the last 14 years are sufficient to convince me that nothing that irks India would be done by them. I do not need another two years to prove a well known fact.