The Deep Emotional Impact of Bangladesh’s Crisis on an Indian Citizen

The images from Bangladesh are troubling, and the fury on the streets is evident. They are similar to scenes from Colombo just two years ago when the Presidential Palace was looted following the departure of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from Sri Lanka.

These visuals have been widely shared and examined by analysts in the past two days. I will refrain from giving my opinion on whether Bangladesh is succumbing to radical Islamic groups or if there was foreign interference in the change of government on Monday.

My focus here is different. I aim to delve into the range of feelings that an average Indian has towards a country that has mainly been a positive neighbor. Along with the term ‘intruders‘ (which gained notoriety with the influx of migrants right after 1947 from then-undivided Pakistan) and the variety of emotions it stirs, there is a mix of sympathy, sorrow, shared history, and a mutual love for Rabindra Sangeet-all felt to varying extents and at different times.

The ‘Intruders‘ Feeling

For individuals in parts of Assam, Tripura, and the neighboring districts of West Bengal and Bihar, the large-scale migration from then-East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) between 1948 and 1965 had a significant effect on local demographics. The influx increased following the disturbances surrounding Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. According to reliable estimates, there are around two crore Bangladeshis in India, with half of them residing in Assam and West Bengal alone.

Since then, the term ‘intruders‘, or ‘illegal immigrant’, has become deeply embedded in the Indian mindset, particularly concerning Bangladesh. The attitude towards these migrants has often been one of disdain, largely fueled by class prejudice. They are seen as impoverished, oppressed, and a burden on limited resources. However, they are not despised, possibly due to another strong sentiment towards Bangladeshis: sympathy.

We Played A Part In Their Freedom

This sense of sympathy stems from India’s active role in liberating Bangladesh from Pakistan after a brutal struggle. The breakup of Pakistan was also viewed by many Indians as a validation of the idea that forming a nation based on religion was a flawed concept-a belief that had led to India’s partition in 1947. This sentiment has endured, and occasional anti-India demonstrations in Bangladesh are seen as minor deviations from an otherwise well-behaved neighbor and are mostly overlooked.

Sadness Across the Border

During the 1980s and 1990s, my generation often heard about the natural disasters in Bangladesh and their devastating impact. Reports of the November 1970 cyclone, one of the deadliest on record, indicated that nearly 5,00,000 lives were lost in then-East Pakistan. Another cyclone in 1985 claimed 11,000 lives, and one in 1991 took nearly 1,50,000 lives.
These reports of widespread devastation often left us melancholic, and there was a sense of shared sorrow. Coupled with sympathy, this formed a significant part of the positive sentiment we held towards Bangladesh.

They, Too, Appreciate Their Rabindra Sangeet

A strong Bengali identity played a crucial role in East Pakistan’s transformation into Bangladesh. After independence, Rabindranath Tagore’s Amar Sonar Bangla, written in 1905, became the new country’s national anthem. Rabindra Sangeet is as beloved in West Bengal as it is in Bangladesh. The beautiful Padma River that separates the two regions has not diminished this shared heritage.

Since the bond between India and Bangladesh has remained strong throughout Bangladesh’s journey, the sentiments described above have endured. Hence the sense of regret now as we witness the widespread vandalism occurring on the streets of Bangladesh.

As the Indian government considers its position and choices amid the current unrest in Bangladesh, it must remember the shared history and common feelings held by people across the border. It should, therefore, work towards ensuring that Bangladesh remains a good neighbor in the years to come. This should not be too much to ask given the long history of friendship between the two nations.

Disclaimer: These are the personal views of the author