Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Editorial Topic : Watching Dhaka: Context and Analysis of Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Revision Notes

Context:

• Resignation of Sheikh Hasina: PM Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country.
• Army Control: Bangladesh Army has taken charge, promising an interim government to facilitate free and fair elections.
• Old Order Change: The political landscape in Bangladesh is changing, requiring India to adjust.

Growing Discontent against Hasina

• Student Protest: Initially against reservation, it morphed into a broader movement against Sheikh Hasina’s rule.
• Autocratic Rule and Corruption: Increasingly autocratic and corruption-ridden governance led to public dissatisfaction.
• Economic Factors:
  • The economy, centered on garment exports, was performing well, sustaining growth, jobs, and living standards.
  • The pandemic in 2020 and a slowing global economy severely impacted the garment industry.
  • Economic distress combined with high-handed government behavior led to the escalation of protests.
• India’s Position:
  • India needs to acknowledge the Bangladeshi people’s rejection of Hasina’s government.
  • The people have a legitimate right to determine their future.

Nepal’s Example

• 2006 People’s Movement: In Kathmandu, the movement demanded the end of dictatorial monarchy and the restoration of multi-party democracy.
• India’s Alignment:
  • India aligned with popular sentiment, respecting the choice of Nepal’s people.
  • This defused potential conflict, countering the belief that India supported the monarchy.
• Implications for Bangladesh:
  • India should support the expression of popular will in Bangladesh.
  • Reflecting sensitivity to neighboring countries’ democratic aspirations is crucial.

India-Bangladesh Relations under Hasina

• Transformation Since 2009:
  • Sheikh Hasina’s rule improved India-Bangladesh relations.
  • Bangladesh ceased being a sanctuary for anti-India elements, aiding peace in India’s Northeast.
• Connectivity Projects: Advanced economic integration between the two countries.
• Future Engagement: India should be ready to expand economic relations with a new government, avoiding branding the political change as anti-India or anti-Hindu.

Pakistan-China Geopolitical Play

• Opportunistic Moves: Both Pakistan and China may see the political change as a chance to challenge India’s presence in Bangladesh.
• Anti-India Sentiment: They might portray India as pro-Hasina, potentially gaining some traction.

Way Forward for India

• Economic Interests:
  • India should allow economic interests to naturally assert themselves over time.
  • Strong people-to-people relations and cultural affinities are enduring assets.
• Cautious Approach:
  • India should let the current political storm settle, reacting cautiously and discreetly.
  • Avoid hasty decisions based on immediate political changes.

Maldives’ Example

• Maldives Case:
  • New President Mohamed Muizzu initially adopted hostile policies.
  • India responded maturely, keeping doors open for engagement and dialogue.
  • Relations stabilized, providing a good template for handling the situation in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

• Rapid Changes: The situation in Bangladesh is evolving quickly.
• Unanswered Questions: Several questions will remain unanswered for now.
• Diplomatic Response: The best response is to wait and watch, maintaining friendly relations with Bangladesh as developments unfold.

Additional Information

• Key Dates and Figures:
  • 2020: Pandemic severely impacts Bangladesh’s garment industry.
  • 2006: People’s movement in Nepal against monarchy.
  • 2009-Present: Improved India-Bangladesh relations under Sheikh Hasina.
• Strategic Actions:
  • Support for Popular Will: India should be seen supporting democratic aspirations in Bangladesh.
  • Engagement Readiness: India must be ready to engage economically with the new government.
  • Avoiding Negative Branding: Refrain from branding the political change in Bangladesh as anti-India.
  • Monitoring Geopolitical Moves: Keep an eye on Pakistan and China’s attempts to influence the situation.

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Editorial Topic : Partners in Food Security

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy

Revision Notes

ICAE: A Historical Perspective

• Origin: India, founded by Lord L K Elmhirst, a British agronomist, at the behest of Rabindranath Tagore.
• First hosted in India: Mysore in 1958, with Jawaharlal Nehru as chief guest.
• Present: World’s largest gathering of agricultural economists focused on global food and nutritional security.

India and Africa: Shared Challenges

• Green and White Revolutions: India successful, Africa struggling.
• Child malnutrition: A common challenge.
• Common issues: High debt service, underfunding of agriculture, inadequate R&D and extension.
• Solutions: Increased public spending on agriculture, R&D, and extension; subsidy reforms; infrastructure development.

Global Hunger Crisis

• Rising challenges: Conflicts, climate change, economic slowdowns.
• UN goal: Zero hunger by 2030 seems unlikely.
• Investment needs: Additional $21 billion annually for agriculture and rural areas to end hunger by 2040 (FAO).

South-South Collaboration

• India-Africa partnership: Potential for collaboration due to African Union’s G20 membership.
• Knowledge sharing: Learning from each other to address food and nutritional security challenges.
• G20 role: Developed countries can support climate resilience, share science and innovation.
• Investment: Global Climate Fund for bioeconomy development.
• G20 presidency: Indonesia, India, Brazil, South Africa – focus on food systems governance.

Conclusion

• PM Modi’s role: Advocate for South-South cooperation, potential to drive India-Africa agri-food relations.
• Goal: Improve food and nutritional security for one-third of humanity.