Distinguished Professor Ali Riaz has been quoted by the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) in a news report on the influence of India on Bangladesh’s domestic politics.
In the wake of the controversial election held on January 7, there is intense debate whether India’s support to the incumbent Sheikh Hasina played any part in her victory. Hasina secured her fourth consecutive term in an essentially uncontested election. The United States and other western nationals have described the election as “not free and fair,” but India has warmly welcomed the results. As a group of activists have launched the “India-Out” movement, there are questions whether it will have any impact.
Riaz told the DW that that there is a political message underpinning this campaign that has implications beyond immediate success. He said, “The campaign reflects the simmering discontent about India’s disregard to the legitimate grievances of Bangladesh and its role in Bangladesh’s domestic politics.”
He further notes that “this is not the first time that India came to the aid of the Hasina government, during two previous elections in 2014 and 2018, which were marred by massive vote rigging in favor of the ruling party and boycotts, India stood by Hasina.”
