Background:

• The Bangladeshi government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, faced intense protests in August 2024.
• The movement was spearheaded by Student Movements which protested against reservation for families of Freedom fighters.
• The protests also were an outcome of high unemployment and stagnating growth, which the country is facing from the Pandemic.
• In response to the escalating unrest and the government’s inability to control the situation, the Bangladesh Army, under General Waker-uz-Zaman, intervened.
• The military forced Sheikh Hasina to step down, aiming to restore order and facilitate a more inclusive democratic process.
• Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the head of an interim government. This interim government is tasked with stabilising the situation and preparing for new elections.

What can India do?

• Engage with the Interim Government: India should work closely with Muhammad Yunus and the interim government, offering diplomatic support and assistance to help stabilise the political situation. 
• Open Communication with the Bangladesh Army: India should establish strong communication channels with the military leadership, ensuring that they support the restoration of democracy.
• Counter Extremist Elements: India should monitor and counteract the influence of extremist groups like the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Through intelligence-sharing and regional cooperation, India can help prevent these groups from gaining power or disrupting the peace process.
• Humanitarian and Development Projects: India’s development projects in Bangladesh can win public support and strengthen the interim government’s legitimacy. 
• Inclusive Dialogue: India can encourage inclusive dialogue among all political factions in Bangladesh, including opposition groups, to ensure a peaceful transition and long-term stability. 
• Advocate for Minority Rights: Given the attacks on minorities. India should take a firm stance on protecting minority rights in Bangladesh. 
• Prepare for Potential Refugee Crisis: In the event of increased violence or instability, India should prepare for a potential influx of refugees from Bangladesh. Humanitarian assistance and contingency planning will be crucial in managing such a situation.

Conclusion:

• India needs to place its steps carefully in this situation. Its relations with the country should not be limited to a single party or person but with the different stakeholders of Bangladesh.