Bangladesh’s Relations with Pakistan: A Historical Perspective and Potential Risks
Bangladesh’s decision to explore closer ties with Pakistan, as evidenced by recent diplomatic engagements, warrants a careful assessment of the historical and geopolitical context. While fostering regional cooperation can offer economic and strategic advantages, Bangladesh must tread cautiously, given Pakistan’s history of deceptive practices and its strained relationship with its own neighboring countries. This blog delves into the historical background, Pakistan’s notorious track record, and the potential risks for Bangladesh in deepening relations with Pakistan.
The Historical Context
Bangladesh and Pakistan share a tumultuous history. The creation of Bangladesh in 1971 followed years of systemic exploitation and oppression by West Pakistan (modern-day Pakistan). Key historical events that define this fraught relationship include:
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Economic Exploitation (1947-1971):
- From the inception of Pakistan in 1947, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) faced significant economic discrimination. Despite contributing more than 50% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, primarily through jute exports, East Pakistan received minimal development funds and investments.
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Cultural Suppression:
- Pakistan’s attempts to impose Urdu as the sole national language disregarded the cultural identity of Bengalis, culminating in the Language Movement of 1952, where protesters advocating for the recognition of Bengali as a state language were brutally killed.
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Genocide and Liberation War (1971):
- The most egregious chapter was the 1971 Liberation War, during which the Pakistan Army launched "Operation Searchlight," resulting in the genocide of hundreds of thousands of Bengalis. An estimated 200,000 to 400,000 women were subjected to sexual violence, and nearly 10 million people fled to India as refugees.
Despite these atrocities, Pakistan has yet to issue a formal apology or acknowledge the scale of the crimes committed during the war, further straining bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s Track Record: Deception and Destabilization
Pakistan’s history as a state has been marred by duplicity, fostering mistrust among its neighbors and allies. Examples of its questionable actions include:
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Support for Terrorism:
- Pakistan has been repeatedly accused of harboring and supporting terrorist organizations, including groups operating in India, Afghanistan, and beyond. Its dual policy of publicly denouncing terrorism while covertly supporting extremist elements undermines regional stability.
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Unreliable Alliances:
- Even Pakistan’s allies, such as the United States, have often found it to be an unreliable partner. For instance, while receiving billions in aid to combat terrorism post-9/11, Pakistan continued to shelter key figures like Osama bin Laden, who was found living near a military academy.
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Economic Mismanagement and Dependency:
- Pakistan’s chronic economic instability has made it reliant on foreign aid, primarily from China and Gulf countries. Its inability to manage resources and frequent defaults on international loans suggest that any economic partnerships with Pakistan may pose financial risks.
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Hostile Policies Towards Neighbors:
- Pakistan’s relations with India and Afghanistan remain adversarial, characterized by border skirmishes, proxy wars, and unresolved territorial disputes. This adversarial stance raises questions about Pakistan’s ability to engage in peaceful and constructive relations with Bangladesh.
Risks for Bangladesh in Deepening Relations with Pakistan
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Economic Risks:
- While increased trade with Pakistan may appear mutually beneficial, Bangladesh should be wary of Pakistan’s fragile economy. Trade agreements could lead to dependency on an unreliable partner, jeopardizing Bangladesh’s economic security.
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Geopolitical Concerns:
- Aligning more closely with Pakistan may alienate key regional allies such as India, with whom Bangladesh shares significant trade and strategic partnerships. This could also hinder Bangladesh’s aspirations to play a leading role in South Asia.
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Security Threats:
- Pakistan’s history of supporting extremist groups raises concerns about the potential infiltration of such elements into Bangladesh under the guise of bilateral cooperation.
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Cultural and Historical Sensitivities:
- For many Bangladeshis, memories of the 1971 Liberation War remain vivid. Strengthening ties with Pakistan without addressing past grievances could spark domestic discontent and undermine national unity.
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Lack of Accountability:
- Pakistan’s refusal to acknowledge its role in the atrocities of 1971 sets a dangerous precedent. Without a sincere effort to address historical wrongs, any rapprochement may lack a foundation of trust.
Conclusion
While Bangladesh’s efforts to enhance regional cooperation are commendable, engaging with Pakistan requires a calculated and cautious approach. History provides a stark reminder of Pakistan’s capacity for deception and destabilization. Bangladesh should prioritize transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in any bilateral agreements, ensuring that its national interests are not compromised.
Ultimately, Bangladesh’s pursuit of peace and prosperity must not come at the cost of forgetting or neglecting the lessons of its own history. By remaining vigilant and strategic, Bangladesh can navigate its relationship with Pakistan without falling victim to the latter’s historically dubious practices.
other sources :
The Diplomat
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