Dr Shahiduzzaman, a political commentator and professor at Dhaka University, who had earlier urged Bangladesh to sign a nuclear treaty with Pakistan, has now urged Bangladesh to procure the JF-17 fighter jets from Islamabad, and lend support to separatists and insurgents in northeastern India.
India-Bangladesh relations: Amidst the deepening distrust of diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh, a Bangladeshi academic has added fuel to the fire, calling upon Dhaka to support separatist movements in India’s northeastern states. Dr Shahiduzzaman, a political commentator and professor at Dhaka University, who had earlier urged Bangladesh to sign a nuclear treaty with Pakistan, has now urged Bangladesh to procure the JF-17 fighter jets from Islamabad, and lend support to separatists and insurgents in northeastern India.
In a video which has gone viral on social media platforms, Shahiduzzaman can be heard ‘advising’ his government to buy JF-17 jets from Pakistan to boost Bangladesh’s defence capabilities and military strength. The veteran academic also urged Dhaka not to trust New Delhi. Comparing the JF-17 with the F-35, Shahiduzzaman claimed that the Pakistani fighter aircraft and the US-made warplanes are comparable in firepower, as he urged Bangladesh to acquire at least three squadrons of JF-17s from Islamabad.
The professor, who is a vocal critic of Bangladesh’s friendly ties with India, also advocated for Dhaka to send support to separatist and militant group in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and other northeastern states of India. “Bangladesh should actively provide all possible help to separatist movements in those areas of India where they have been fighting for independence from the Indian state since decades,” Shahiduzzaman says.
India and Bangladesh, barring some minor tussle over border security and water sharing issues, have had cordial relations since the formation of Bangladesh since its independence in 1971. Historically, Dhaka has always maintained a non-confrontational stance in regional politics, and largely stayed aloof from the power struggle between India and Pakistan.
However, the relations between India and Bangladesh have soured since fall of Sheikh Hasina regime in August this year following which many claim, radical Islamic elements have gained prominence in the country, and are pushing to Bangladesh to distance itself from Indian influence and build closer ties with Pakistan.
The distrust between the two countries has also been deepened due to New Delhi’s decision to give shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who is wanted for serious crimes, including murder, in Bangladesh.