AFTER nearly one and half years of political uncertainty and complete lawlessness, Bangladesh has turned a new page in its democratic history with the swearing-in of Mr. Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister. The leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has marked a new beginning not just for his party but for the tiny country which saw a downward spiral in the last 18 months from being a healthy and growing economy to a messy State. A thumping majority has given Mr. Rahman a booster dose even as close rival Jamaat-e-Islami has taken the position of principal opposition party. The future course in Bangladesh will be keenly watched by the entire world as Mr. Rahman has spelled out his priorities of taking decisions only in the interest of the country and not getting influenced by personal or political considerations.

 

It is good news for Bangladesh and also for the Asian region. The new Prime Minister of Bangladesh is seen as a stabilising force after the tumult caused by the interim Government headed by Nobel laureate Mr. Mohammad Yunus. Since the ouster of ex-PM Ms. Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 through a students-led uprising, internal security situation has steadily deteriorated under Mr. Yunus. The interim head was out to erase the country’s history and liberation story while backing radical forces in the country with the help of Pakistan. Mr. Yunus’ heavy tilt towards Pakistan and China had pushed Bangladesh to the brink even as violence continued unabated in the country under the patronage of the interim Government.

 

Even the general elections were in danger of getting scuttled but sanity prevailed and Bangladesh has seen a regime change. For Mr. Rahman, the path ahead is not easy after the mess created by the radicals and political elements. Attacks on Hindu minorities are still causing diplomatic tensions with India. Pakistan’s covert network has made deep inroads in the country under the protection of Mr. Yunus. Despite electoral defeat, the JeI is still a potent force with widespread sympathisers in the rural and border areas. Amendments to the Constitution is another tricky issue for Mr. Rahman as head of the State. The new PM has his task cut out to repair the internal situation in Bangladesh before reaching out to the world. Yet, there is hope for the country under Mr. Rahman. He has a liking for pragmatism and his call for an “inclusive Bangladesh” has found resonance among the voters.

 

The call has settled well in New Delhi too as it is looking at an opportunity to effect a reset of relations with Dhaka. In Mr. Rahman, India can find a sane voice who has the patience and willingness to understand the changing geopolitical situation. India has made the right noises after the BNP victory with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi congratulating Mr. Rahman and inviting him for a visit. New Delhi knows the importance of restarting a dialogue with Dhaka. There was a radio silence under Mr. Yunus due to his open anti-India stand but with a progressive leader at the helm in Bangladesh, India can switch on all diplomatic channels. In the victory of Mr. Rahman, India has sensed a chance to bring practicality to the table. It might materialise soon or take time till the BNP overcomes its past inhibitions with India. New Delhi would never mind the pause, for, it has played the pause pretty smartly in the last 18 months. India was very calculated in its responses to the developments in Bangladesh even as Mr. Yunus kept making provocative statements.

 

Concerns were registered as and when needed but India never crossed the line of decency despite stark negativity in relations. This has remained the core strength of India’s diplomacy over the years. India has always used patience as the top weapon in handling diplomatic problems. It made the United States change tack and come around to sign a trade deal as per India’s terms and it also made Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Maldives shun their pro-China stand. It is a game of patience and India is a master.