Thu Dec 18 16:37:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewritten news article based on the information provided:
Summary:
A parliamentary panel in India has warned of a significant strategic challenge in Bangladesh, potentially the greatest since the 1971 Liberation War. The report highlights a shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, including the collapse of Awami League dominance, the rise of youth-led nationalism, the resurgence of Islamist groups, and increasing Chinese and Pakistani influence. The panel expresses concern that India could lose its strategic position in Dhaka if it fails to adapt to these changes. The report also addresses the sensitive issue of India providing refuge to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, cautioning against allowing her to conduct political activities from Indian soil. Furthermore, it discusses the upcoming elections in Bangladesh and the need for India to initiate discussions regarding the Ganga Water Treaty renewal.
News Article:
India Faces “Greatest Strategic Challenge” in Bangladesh Since 1971, Parliamentary Report Warns
New Delhi – December 18, 2025 – A new report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has sounded the alarm over a rapidly evolving political landscape in Bangladesh, potentially posing the most significant strategic challenge to India since the 1971 Liberation War.
The report, chaired by Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor, details concerns about a “shift of political order” in Bangladesh, fueled by the collapse of the Awami League’s dominance, the rise of youth-led nationalism, the re-entry of Islamist groups, and intensified influence from China and Pakistan. The committee warns that India risks losing its strategic space in Dhaka “not to war, but to irrelevance” if it fails to recalibrate its approach.
The report delves into interactions between the committee and officials from the Ministry of External Affairs following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024. While acknowledging the “right decision” to provide shelter to ousted Prime Minister Hasina, the report cautions against allowing her to conduct political activities aimed at Bangladesh from Indian soil. The issue of Hasina’s presence in India has been a point of contention between the two countries, particularly following her death sentence issued on November 17, 2025, in Bangladesh.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri assured the committee that India is not providing Hasina with a political platform.
The report also highlights concerns about the upcoming February 2026 elections in Bangladesh, especially the ban on the Awami League, questioning the inclusiveness of the process. The emergence of the new National Citizen Party and the restored electoral registration of Jamaat-e-Islami are also noted as significant factors shaping the Bangladeshi political landscape.
Finally, the report urges the Indian government to proactively initiate bilateral discussions with Bangladesh regarding the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty, due in December 2026, to avoid any potential “vacuum” in relations. The report underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of India’s strategic approach to Bangladesh in light of these dynamic changes.
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