The same Bangladesh that India gave independence to in 1971 is now close to Pakistan and far away from India.
Bangladesh has become a headache for India. The same Bangladesh that India gave independence to in 1971 is now close to Pakistan and far away from India. This Bangladesh wants to separate India's North-East from India and wants to make a "Greater Bangladesh." But first, pay the electricity bill—pay the $900 million bill to Adani first, then make your Greater Bangladesh.
What's Happening in Bangladesh?
There have been protests in Bangladesh for the past few days. Attacks on minorities, media houses being burnt—you must have seen all this. But the question is why? What is happening in Bangladesh is important, but more important is why anti-India sentiment is increasing there. What is the benefit of this? And what difference does it make to us?
The country which was our friend for many years, a good partner, has suddenly become the biggest problem of the Eastern border. And this has happened because of one big mistake of ours—and that mistake is water.
The "Revolution" Reality
Last year, people were celebrating that finally PM Sheikh Hasina's corrupt government is out. Many Indian YouTubers and educators were also calling it a youth revolution. Some even said what is happening in Bangladesh should happen in India too. But this is the dirty picture of this so-called revolution.
These are Dhaka's media houses being burnt. Today, videos are going viral in Bangladesh where a plan of Greater Bangladesh is being made. These people claim that all this land of India was theirs and was snatched from their ancestors. Source? "Trust me, bro."
These people want to cut the Siliguri corridor, the Chicken's Neck, and separate North-East from India. They live in delusion that North-East is interested in becoming part of Bangladesh. Ask any North-East person if they want to join Bangladesh—the answer will be obvious. Even insurgents don't want Bangladesh. But this propaganda on the internet is not stopping.
And these people spreading propaganda are not random. In October 2025, Bangladesh's interim PM Muhammad Yunus gifted a book to Pakistan's general where North-East of India was shown as Bangladeshi territory. So this Greater Bangladesh idea is not unofficial or spread by rogue elements—it is being spread systematically. This is a direct ideological attack on India. This expansionist attitude is being spread not only in India but also in Myanmar. Bangladesh wants to make a separate nation for Rohingyas from Myanmar, and China is also part of this plan.
Why Protests Started
Why did protests start suddenly? Some time ago, a so-called youth leader named Sharif Osman Hadi was killed. Who killed him? Nobody knows. But all blame is on India. This person also supported Greater Bangladesh.
When we mention Bangladesh, in our mindset we only think the land of Bangladesh. We also think we are captured by India, we have no capacity, no capabilities. We are always dependent on Indian satisfaction.
India gave freedom to Bangladesh in 1971. But the same Bangladesh has become a nightmare for India. Because the Bangladesh we should thank is being called a vulture. On 16th December, Bangladesh celebrated Victory Day—where they got freedom from Pakistan. On this day, they said this about India: "On Victory Day tomorrow, we will not take to the streets for celebration. We will take to the streets for resistance in Dhaka and across Bangladesh. We will hold resistance rallies against Indian hegemony and all anti-Bangladesh conspiracies."
They called India indirectly vultures who control Bangladesh. If India had to control Bangladesh, then in 1971 they should not have given freedom to Bangladesh. They should have broken Bangladesh from Pakistan and made it a state of India. After all, this Bangladesh was formerly East Bengal. But then we did not show any control. So why will we show now?
We had the right to claim Bangladeshi territory. Historically, Bangladesh has been part of India. Our army defeated Pakistani army and won this land back. So by right of conquest, India could have shown its right to Bangladesh. But India did not do that. So why are Bangladesh people holding so much resentment against India?
On Bangladesh's Independence Day, there was a rally to break India. One leader said if India will give shelter to Bangladesh's enemies, then Bangladesh will also give shelter to separatist groups of North East. Now this is a big problem for India.
No Law and Order
The reality is there is no law and order in Bangladesh. Government is not running—Muhammad Yunus is not running it, rogue elements are running it. The riots that expelled PM Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh a year ago are running it.
And Bangladesh is angry at India because we gave them refuge. On 5th August 2024, Bangladesh's ex-PM Sheikh Hasina left for India in a helicopter. New Delhi did what India has always done—we gave them refuge. Meaning, what we did with Dalai Lama. We opened our doors for a guest. No conditions, just refuge.
But Bangladesh started considering India's generosity as interference. Bangladesh's new interim government wants PM Sheikh Hasina to be handed over as if she is a criminal. This is what Bangladesh wants and this is what India is not agreeing to.
We also want people like Vijay Mallya who are hiding in London to be handed over. But this doesn't mean we attack UK's high commission. We are following a process which Bangladesh is not doing.
The Teesta River Mistake
India is giving shelter to Bangladesh's ex-PM. In 1975, even after assassination of Sheikh Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, India gave shelter to Sheikh Hasina. Today, Bangladesh's leaders are saying if we can give shelter to Sheikh Hasina, then we can give shelter to North East's separatists. But giving shelter to an ex-PM and a separatist—there is huge difference. A leader who can't understand this is not worthy of being leader.
That's why Indian high commission is being attacked in Dhaka. And this violence is not stopping. People of Bangladesh have threatened things can get worse by 25th December. Attackers keep repeating: "We will repay our 1971 debt to India by freeing seven sisters. Seven sisters will be separated from India."
These words belong to their so-called student leaders who were praised by some Indian analysts as democrats. This is the 2.5 front which is always talked about—which makes India hollow from within.
But after separating North East, is it Bangladesh or Pakistan? Because Bangladesh people should be happy they got freedom. Pakistan should be sad. If debt is being repaid and it is Pakistan, then they can understand. Why is Bangladesh angry with India?
Simple answer: Today's Bangladesh has become East Pakistan before 1971.
Who Benefits?
Who benefits from this? The answer is not in Dhaka. Sheikh Hasina's government ruled for 15 years. When her government fell, diplomatic relations made for so many years were also about to fall.
This is the Teesta river issue. In the beginning, I said India made a mistake. Now let's understand that mistake.
Teesta river is very important for West Bengal and East Bengal. In 2011, there was a deal between India and Bangladesh—42.5% water to India, 37.5% to Bangladesh, remaining to reserve. But this deal was not accepted by West Bengal government of that time. So this issue remained pending and is still pending.
Bangladesh always argues India cannot assert right on this water because there is no deal. Problems from both sides because this deal is pending—confusion continuing for no good reason.
Now there is going to be a mega project on Teesta river—Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. There is no official treaty on Teesta water sharing, so it is benefiting China.
In 2021, when Sheikh Hasina was in power, Bangladesh announced something interesting. They started considering China for the river flowing between India and Bangladesh. Even then it was Sheikh Hasina's government. This could have been a negotiating tactic to ask for more water from India—to negotiate better deal and put China stick in front that if you don't give good deal, we can go to China.
This could have been Sheikh Hasina's bluff, but it is costing us a lot now. This will give China two big benefits: One, it will get closer to India. Two, it can trap Bangladesh in debt trap.
China's Smart Moves
News from June 2024—Sheikh Hasina was saying water management project on Teesta river should be given to India or China. Before this conversation could conclude, their government fell.
Sheikh Hasina was out at perfect time. India's two biggest pain points—due to politics and delays—China got advantage. If West Bengal government hadn't stopped this deal in 2011, this deal would have been 15 years old by now. We have such brilliant people.
Technically, Teesta river project should be bilateral arrangement between India and Bangladesh. Including third party is guarantee of conflict of interest. But still, China is coming in between. And this mistake is only due to our politics. Otherwise, no need to keep this deal pending since 2011.
Today, Bangladesh is saying goodbye to India and embracing China. Chinese capital is coming to Bangladesh. This year, 30 Chinese companies want to invest $1 billion in Bangladesh. No elections in Bangladesh, government not stable, and $1 billion flowing free.
China is giving loan on loan—$400 million loan for Mongla port. China has opened markets for Bangladeshi products till 2028 so Bangladesh gets economic support. As soon as Sheikh Hasina left, China assured money came to Bangladesh.
China is very smart and very fast. Where there is opportunity, China is ready to make its move.
Bangladesh Today: Like 1970
- People have lost faith in democratic elections
- There is interim government not able to handle mob
- Widespread atrocities on minorities
Today, Bangladesh is in same state as 1970:
1. People have lost faith in democratic elections
2. There is interim government not able to handle mob
3. Widespread atrocities on minorities
If anything is different, it is that language was the problem then—Urdu and Bengali speaking people, language was barrier. Today, it has become religion.
Even anti-India critics like Mahdi Hassan cannot convince why this violence is happening. Yunus denies there is any violence—that it is all lie. Then they blame India—that only India is spreading propaganda. On top of that, they also say if there is any violence, victim should not say he is Hindu and needs protection. He should say he is citizen of Bangladesh and needs protection.
They need protection because they are being attacked because of their identity. As leader, you should say you are carefree and there will be no attack on you. Instead, they blame victim—say it is your mistake that you keep saying Hindu. Because of this attitude, this happens.
All this is happening because there is no ministry for minority protection in Bangladesh. Minority population in Bangladesh is declining every year. Same things happening in 1971 are happening today. And world is enjoying with popcorn.
If it was any religion other than Hindu, there would have been more outcry from world. Unfortunately, our problem is we don't have community. We are all so scattered that we feel this problem is not our problem, so we don't need to get involved. But unless we are united, these same things can happen in different countries.
The Power Vacuum
Today, leaders of Sheikh Hasina in Awami League are in jail. They are dying one after another mysteriously—which raises many questions. Is this coincidence or something else?
In Bangladesh, there is free press that happens in rogue state. More than 350 journalists say they face harassment. More than 70 cases of violence, more than 160 journalists' licenses revoked.
Whole world knows Bangladesh is not stable. But today, there is power vacuum in Bangladesh which America and China both want to take advantage of. That's why conflict is continuously going on and nobody cares. Because until it is decided who is going to benefit from this conflict, it will not end.
China wants to make its String of Pearls strategy against India. China wants to cut off India's sea access. For this, Bangladesh is very important. That's why China is investing in Bangladesh's ports, giving loans so Bangladesh finally gets stuck in debt trap and later separates from India. China can then do whatever it wants.
China is also interested in Teesta River project because it can harm India. In America and China's fight, no matter who wins, India will suffer. Because when neighboring country becomes unstable, extremist elements come from border, sentiments rise, chances of violence increase.
The Solutions
Solution 1: Trade Routes
India's main problem is if we want to connect to North East, Siliguri Corridor is the only way—Chicken's Neck. At narrowest stretch, this area is only 22 km. Our armed forces are capable of protecting it. But wise man said—the supreme art of war is to subdue enemy without even fighting. Meaning, create options so our weaknesses don't remain weaknesses, so possibility of war is eliminated.
That's why we have to focus on KMTTP—Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project. This connects Kolkata to Mizoram and completely bypasses Siliguri and Bangladesh. Kolkata will be connected to Myanmar port via sea route, then boat route can be used, goods can reach Mizoram. This route will be operational by 2027.
Wars are won by logistics. We lost to China in 1962 because we were not ready. If same situation happens again and attack is on North-East, and Bangladesh blocks Siliguri corridor, we will need other options.
Solution 2: Create Pressure
We never know why whenever world leaders meet, Bangladesh issue is not raised. Today, we have to draw world's attention on how to bring stability to Bangladesh. Because all three sides of Bangladesh are India. Instability in Bangladesh means chances of problems in India.
India will have to highlight in international forums that $900 million payment is still pending, so pressure is created. If you have friend who took loan from you, he should remember you did favor. But Bangladesh is friend who did not even repay loan and kept blaming you for all internal problems.
Solution 3: Border Security
India shares 3,200 km border with Pakistan, 3,400 km with China, and 4,100 km with Bangladesh. This border has rough terrain, hills, rivers—tough border to monitor. But this cannot be excuse for us.
If India does not secure border, people who dream of Greater Bangladesh can easily use it as entry point. Fencing has been completed at 3,240 km from total border—that means 850-860 km is still vulnerable.
In 2025 budget, border security budget has been increased. In coming years, we will have to focus on zero infiltration policy so no illegal immigrant can enter India.
The Final Question
Every passing day in Bangladesh, hate against India and Indians is increasing. Politicians and student leaders are demanding Greater Bangladesh. They are talking about breaking North East. And what are we doing?
We are giving crores of rupees to their players to play in IPL. Even knowing these Bangladeshi players may not be able to play entire IPL season because they have different national commitments. Their cricket board is also going away from us, and we are feeding them money. Why?
Have IPL teams never heard about soft power? Here is question for BCCI and those teams that buy Bangladeshi players for crores: Why? Where is your loyalty? Where is your nationalism? Or is this question limited only for common man?
If you are from Bollywood or cricket fraternity, you wouldn't be asking this question. And it's wrong to ask why bring cricket into this? Because sports has always been legitimate platform for silent and effective protests.
Did Russia let them participate in Paris Olympics 2024? No, right? Does Europe think sports and politics are separate? No, right? Because they have guts to keep their perspective in front of world. And we don't have guts even when we are right.
If India doesn't believe in our Indian perspective, then why should rest of the world? If Bangladesh is becoming East Pakistan, then we should treat it like we treat Pakistan.