STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: Pradeep Dutta, Senior Editor at Times Now, emphasised the need for India to adopt a diversified approach towards Bangladesh, citing the age-old adage “never put all your eggs in one basket.”
Addressing a gathering of faculty members, students, and strategic experts at Jammu University’s Department of Strategic and Regional Studies, Dutta highlighted India’s over-reliance on Sheikh Hasina, neglecting other stakeholders, as the primary reason for being caught off guard by her sudden departure.
Dutta advocated for moving beyond the singular narrative of India’s role in Bangladesh’s War for liberation, which has failed to grasp the ground reality, leading to Hasina’s flight to India.
He stressed the need for India to engage with the Bangladeshi people and other stakeholders to strengthen its foothold in the region.
“A hostile Bangladesh, akin to Pakistan, is a scenario India cannot afford. We must engage with the interim government and demonstrate to the Bangladeshi people that our interests are invested in their prosperity, not just in propping up a single regime,” Dutta explained.
Dutta also exposed the US for its duplicity, expressing concern over the decline of democratic values in Bangladesh under Hasina’s rule while ignoring the situation in Pakistan, where Imran Khan and other political activists are imprisoned and the largest and popular political party Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) is nearly banned.
He also noted that the Dhaka unrest has far-reaching implications beyond Bangladesh’s borders, with India’s intelligence agencies uncovering a complex web of geopolitical intrigue involving Pakistan and China.
Dutta highlighted China’s influence in Bangladesh, which extends beyond economic aid, seeking a strong foothold in South Asia.
“The ongoing unrest has been complicated by a strategic alliance between China and Pakistan, with China leveraging educational and cultural programs to extend its sway and mobilise student opposition against the Bangladeshi government’s policies,” Dutta said.
The session was chaired by Prof. Dipankar Sengupta, with Prof. Virender Koundal delivering the vote of thanks and Prof. Monir Alam introducing the guest to the faculty and students.