Bangladesh’s recent decision to sign a pact with Pakistan for military training marks a startling and controversial shift in its foreign policy, one that has left both historians and strategists baffled. This could be attributed to India’s defective foreign policy of putting all eggs in one basket i.e. patronising the unceremoniously ousted leader of that country, Sheikh Hasina, thereby alienating other political forces therein.
Scheduled to commence in February 2025, this agreement will see Pakistani military trainers operating across four cantonments in Bangladesh. For a nation that endured one of the most horrific genocides at the hands of the Pakistani army in 1971, this move is not only a betrayal of its own history but also a troubling sign of shifting regional dynamics. The shadow of 1971 looms large over this development. The Pakistani military’s campaign of atrocities during the Liberation War, which left three million dead and countless others displaced, is etched in the collective memory of Bangladesh. Yet, this decision to collaborate with the very institution responsible for those horrors signals a troubling erosion of historical accountability.
Pakistan has never issued a formal apology for its actions, let alone made reparation, and its persistent denial of the genocide remains a source of anguish for many Bangladeshis. By engaging with Pakistan in this manner, Dhaka risks alienating its citizens and opening old wounds that were thought to be long healed. Beyond the moral and historical implications, this agreement is poised to have significant strategic consequences, particularly for India. Mohammad Yunus’s efforts to warm up ties with Islamabad threaten to undermine the robust relationship India and Bangladesh have cultivated over the past decade.
New Delhi has played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s development, providing economic aid, infrastructural support, and critical cooperation on issues ranging from counter-terrorism to trade. The spectre of Pakistani influence within the Bangladeshi military poses a direct challenge to India’s efforts to maintain stability in its eastern neighbourhood. The Pakistani military, notorious for its hostility toward India, has a long history of fostering antiIndia sentiment. Allowing Pakistani trainers access to the Bangladeshi armed forces creates a potential breeding ground for such ideologies to take root. This risks undoing years of progress in India-Bangladesh relations and could strain the relative peace along the shared border.
India, which views Bangladesh as a key ally under its ‘Neighbourhood Firstʼ policy, now faces the daunting task of recalibrating its approach to Dhaka while mitigating the potential fallout from this new alignment. The decision also raises questions about Bangladesh’s domestic priorities and the motivations of its leadership. Ex-Prime Minister Hasina, who has traditionally maintained a pro-India stance, has been credited with steering Bangladesh toward economic growth and regional stability. However, this unexpected overture to Pakistan appears to reflect a pragmatic, albeit contentious, strategy to diversify alliances.
Some analysts believe this move may be aimed at counterbalancing perceived over-reliance on India, while others see it as a calculated attempt to placate segments of the electorate that harbour anti-India sentiments. With national elections on the horizon, the timing of this agreement suggests political considerations may have played a role. Nevertheless, this strategy is fraught with risks. Pakistan, grappling with economic turmoil and internal instability, is hardly an ideal partner. Its military, while experienced, has a chequered reputation, marred by accusations of human rights abuses and support for terrorist activities. Aligning with such an institution could tarnish Bangladesh’s international standing and undermine its commitment to combating extremism.
Domestically, the agreement is likely to face backlash from civil society, intellectuals, and segments of the population that remain deeply resentful of Pakistan’s actions in 1971. For India, this development presents a diplomatic dilemma and a big headche. A heavyhanded response risks alienating Dhaka, while a passive stance could embolden Islamabad. Striking the right balance will be crucial for New Delhi, which must now navigate an increasingly complex relationship with its eastern neighbour. The agreement also serves as a reminder of the importance of historical memory in shaping foreign policy. Forgetting the atrocities of 1971 is not only a disservice to those who perished but also a dangerous precedent for a nation whose identity is deeply intertwined with its struggle for liberation.
The implications of this agreement extend beyond Bangladesh’s borders, as it must be viewed within the broader context of South Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape. With China’s growing influence in the region, Bangladesh’s flirtation with Pakistan could be seen as part of a larger strategy to leverage multiple partnerships in an increasingly multipolar world. However, such a strategy comes with inherent dangers. Aligning too closely with Pakistan risks destabilising the region and could invite unnecessary friction with India, a neighbour that has been Bangladesh’s most steadfast ally since its independence. Starting February 2025, Pakistani military trainers will gain access to Bangladeshi cantonments, potentially introducing anti-India ideologies into the Bangladeshi army’s ranks.
Pakistan’s military, known for fostering hostility toward India, may exploit this opportunity to influence segments of Bangladesh’s military elite. With a shared 4,096-kilometre border and a historical role as Bangladesh’s ally and liberator, India cannot ignore the potential consequences. A resurgence of anti-India sentiment within Bangladesh’s armed forces risks straining bilateral ties and disrupting border stability, challenging India’s efforts to maintain regional peace. Bangladesh’s decision to engage militarily with Pakistan weakens South Asiaʼs principle of regional cooperation and solidarity.
Despite India’s long-standing support through economic aid, trade concessions and infrastructure development since Bangladesh’s independence, Dhakaʼs alignment with Islamabad undermines these contributions, posing a strategic affront to India’s regional efforts. As February 2025 approaches, the true ramifications of this agreement will begin to unfold.
The collaboration with Pakistan may deepen the influence of anti-India ideologies in Bangladesh’s military and strain its relations with India. Alternatively, it could serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of forgetting history and the risks of aligning with destabilising forces in pursuit of short-term gains. For now, one thing is clear: Bangladesh’s decision has introduced a volatile element into an already fragile regional equation and the repercussions will be closely watched not just by its neighbours, but by the global community at large.
(The writer is a strategic affairs columnist and senior political analyst)
