Post-begum B'desh needs electoral fix

Bangladesh's post-begum era - following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and Khaleda Zia's death earlier this week - has been marked by meltdown. For better or worse, for 30 of its 50-odd years of existence, these two women steered and shaped the fate of Bangladesh as players from the sidelines, partners in the 1990 uprising that toppled the military regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad, leading to restoration of democracy in that country. What we are witnessing now is a 'headless' class war against this begum-era ancien regime - Bangladesh's 'Lutyens', if you will - clothed as a 'Muslim khatre mein' mobocratic exercise. And it is this political vacuum that must be filled by democratic means, starting with free and fair elections that includes all political parties, ousted Awami League included.

The operative word in the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus is 'interim'. Any delay, particularly given the absence of established mainstream political personalities, will see Bangladesh slide into an anarchic abyss. This isn't just dangerous for neighbours like India, against which it has become fashionable to shout in the streets of Dhaka and beyond, but also dangerous for Bangladesh and its people.

As the established democracy and big economic power, India must be careful to avoid appearances of putting its finger on the scale. A stable Bangladesh that is democratic, respects equal rights of minorities, especially Hindus, is important for the country's prosperity. As in the past, India must support aspirations of the Bangladeshi people to build a robust democracy and help its economy grow. It must do so by engaging across the spectrum, demonstrating that New Delhi is Dhaka's true partner for economic growth and well-being.