A Deep Dive into the Interim Government’s Controversial Policies

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Growing Distance from India: A Cause for Concern?
  • Embracing Pakistan and China: A Strategic Realignment?
  • Rewriting History: Erasing the Legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?
  • Ignoring the Scars of 1971: A Dangerous Forgetting?
  • China’s Military Presence: A Threat to Regional Stability?
  • Separatist Remarks: Fueling Instability in Northeast India?
  • Crackdown on Opposition: Banning the Awami League1
  • Symbolic Erasure: Removing Sheikh Mujib from Currency Notes2
  • Exclusive Economic Plan: Excluding India?
  • Key Takeaways

Introduction

The political landscape of Bangladesh has undergone a significant transformation following the ousting of the democratically elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.3 The rise of an interim government has ushered in a series of policy changes and actions that have triggered widespread debate and concern, particularly regarding the nation’s historical identity and its relationship with key regional players. This editorial delves into the various steps taken by the interim administration and analyzes their potential implications for Bangladesh and the wider region.

Growing Distance from India: A Cause for Concern?

Historically, Bangladesh and India have shared a strong and multifaceted relationship. However, recent developments suggest a growing distance between the two nations. According to a report by the Atlantic Council, “Since Hasina’s dramatic exit amid the July 2024 uprising, India-Bangladesh relations have plummeted to their lowest ebb. Tensions along the border have flared.”4 The report further highlights concerns raised by the interim government regarding potential Indian interference, with Muhammad Yunus, the leader of the interim government, reportedly warning that “any Indian attempt to destabilize Bangladesh could spill over to India’s volatile Seven Sisters states.”5 This statement, made just before assuming power, indicates a significant shift in the traditionally amicable relationship.

Embracing Pakistan and China: A Strategic Realignment?

Simultaneously, there appears to be a noticeable inclination towards Pakistan and China. This shift is particularly sensitive given India’s long-standing complexities with both these nations. The interim government’s apparent outreach to these countries raises questions about Bangladesh’s future foreign policy direction and its potential impact on regional stability.6

Rewriting History: Erasing the Legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?

One of the most controversial moves by the interim government has been the alleged attempt to rewrite the nation’s history by diminishing the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh.7 Times Now News reported on January 3, 2025, that “According to the revised curriculum, Ziaur Rahman—rather than ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—will now be cited in textbooks as the person who declared Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Furthermore, Mujib’s title as ‘Father of the Nation’ is no longer mentioned in curriculum.”89 The report also noted the vandalism of Sheikh Mujib’s statue and the removal of his image from official residences, indicating a systematic effort to undermine his historical significance.10

Ignoring the Scars of 1971: A Dangerous Forgetting?

The independence of Bangladesh was achieved through a bloody liberation war in 1971, marked by immense suffering and atrocities committed by the Pakistani forces.11 Any attempt to downplay this historical trauma or forge closer ties with Pakistan without acknowledging this painful past risks undermining the very foundation of Bangladesh’s identity as a sovereign nation. While there hasn’t been explicit information found to suggest a complete forgetting, the inclination towards Pakistan alongside the diminishing of the Muktiyoddha narrative is a worrying sign for many within Bangladesh and its allies.

China’s Military Presence: A Threat to Regional Stability?

Concerns have also emerged regarding potential military cooperation with China, including allegations of offering land for military use. The Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW) reported on April 9, 2025, that “Bangladesh is reportedly seeking China’s assistance to construct an airbase at the WWII-era Lalmonirhat airfield, located just 10 kilometers from India’s border.”12 While the intention behind this move is speculated to be securing economic and military support, it carries significant risks. As IDRW notes, “Leasing the airbase to the PLAAF would likely provoke a strong reaction from India, potentially straining bilateral ties and inviting economic or diplomatic repercussions.”13

Separatist Remarks: Fueling Instability in Northeast India?

Another deeply troubling aspect is the alleged attempt to create separatist sentiments in Northeast India, particularly concerning the Siliguri Corridor, also known as India’s ‘chicken’s neck’.14 While direct separatist remarks from the Bangladeshi government are difficult to confirm, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alluded to the strategic vulnerabilities of Bangladesh in comparison to the Siliguri Corridor.15 On May 26, 2025, India Today quoted him saying, “Just like India’s Siliguri Corridor, our neighbouring country is also embedded with two narrow corridors of theirs, which are far more vulnerable.” This suggests a potential attempt to leverage geographical realities for political messaging that could be interpreted as stirring unrest.

Crackdown on Opposition: Banning the Awami League

In a move that has raised serious questions about democratic values, the interim government has reportedly banned the Awami League, the political party of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.16 Wikipedia states that on May 10, 2025, “the interim government banned all activities by the Awami League, in cyberspace and elsewhere, under the Anti-Terrorism Act.17 The ban will last until the International Crimes Tribunal completes the trial of the party and its leaders.”18 Furthermore, on May 12, 2025, “the Election Commission of Bangladesh suspended the registration of the Awami League as a party.”19 This action effectively silences a major political force in the country.

Symbolic Erasure: Removing Sheikh Mujib from Currency Notes

The effort to diminish Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy extends to the nation’s currency. 24 News HD reported on June 1, 2025, that “Bangladesh has started issuing redesigned banknotes that significantly do not feature the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father and ex-prime minister.”2021 This symbolic act of removing his image from the banknotes, a common practice to honor national heroes, further underscores the interim government’s agenda.22

Exclusive Economic Plan: Excluding India?

The claim of a separate economic plan for North East India and Bangladesh, excluding India, could not be substantiated with verifiable information from the conducted searches. This remains an unconfirmed assertion.

Key Takeaways

  • Bangladesh’s relationship with its long-standing ally India appears to be deteriorating significantly under the interim government.23
  • There is a discernible shift towards closer ties with Pakistan and China, which could have geopolitical ramifications.24
  • The interim government is seemingly engaged in an active effort to undermine and erase the historical contributions of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation.
  • Concerns are mounting over potential military cooperation between Bangladesh and China, particularly the development of an airbase near the Indian border.25
  • Allegations of separatist undertones in statements made by Bangladeshi figures regarding Northeast India are a cause for concern.26
  • The banning of the Awami League raises serious questions about the state of democracy in Bangladesh.27
  • The removal of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image from the national currency is a powerful symbolic act indicating a change in national priorities.28