A vision for an inclusive Bangladesh

Context:

Bangladesh’s July Uprising of 2024, beginning with student protests over public-employment quotas, expanded into a movement against repression, unemployment and unaccountable governance. It ended Sheikh Hasina’s rule and led to an interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus.

In February 2026, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority, and Tarique Rahman became Prime Minister. The government presents 2024 as a democratic renewal complementing the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War.

Constitutional Basis: 

Bangladesh’s Constitution combines secular and religious principles: 

• Islam is the state religion, but other religions enjoy equal status and rights.
• The Constitution opposes communalism, religious discrimination and misuse of religion in politics, and guarantees equality and non-discrimination, alongside protecting freedom of religion.

However, genuine inclusion requires institutional protection rather than symbolic appointments.

Major Challenges: 

• Democratic consolidation: An independent judiciary, Election Commission, police and anti-corruption machinery are essential. The BNP’s large majority must not reproduce past executive dominance. Accountability for the former regime must follow due process rather than political vengeance.
• Minority security: Attacks on Hindus and violations against ethnic communities reveal a gap between official assurances and ground realities. Communal violence requires prompt prosecution, property restitution and accountable policing.
• Rule of law: Mob violence, arbitrary detention and attacks on journalists, women and cultural groups threaten democratic transition.
• Justice for 2024: A UN investigation reported serious violations during the uprising’s suppression, with around 1,400 deaths. Independent investigation, victim compensation and fair trials are necessary.
• Women and marginalised groups: Women played a major role in the uprising but remain under-represented. Inclusion must address gender violence, labour rights and the participation of indigenous and disadvantaged communities.
• Economic inclusion: Youth unemployment and unequal opportunity contributed to the uprising. Bangladesh needs merit-based recruitment, job-intensive manufacturing, MSME growth, economic diversification, skill development and a smooth transition from Least Developed Country status.
• Climate and Rohingya challenge: As a vulnerable delta, Bangladesh needs climate-resilient agriculture, housing and social protection. It must also support over one million Rohingya refugees while pursuing their safe and voluntary repatriation.

Reconciling 1971 and 2024: 

• The 1971 Liberation War created Bangladesh’s sovereign identity, while the 2024 uprising renewed demands for democratic accountability. 
• Treating them as complementary can strengthen national unity; using either legacy to delegitimise opponents would deepen polarisation.

Implications for India: 

• Bangladesh is crucial for India’s Northeast connectivity, border security, trade, energy exchange, management of 54 shared rivers and cooperation through BIMSTEC, BBIN and SAARC.
• Relations remain strained by Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and Bangladesh’s extradition demands. 
• India should engage the elected government without appearing partisan, respect Bangladeshi sovereignty and address minority concerns through sustained diplomacy.

An inclusive Bangladesh requires political pluralism, minority security, independent institutions, economic opportunity and accountability without revenge. Its democratic stability is equally important for India and the wider Bay of Bengal region.

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