Bangladesh: Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav said that although India is concerned about the instability in Bangladesh, it is likely to be a temporary situation. He expressed optimism that elections would help normalize bilateral relations and restore accountability.

During a meeting with the OFBJP here, Madhav said that Bangladesh was going through a challenging time after what he called a street-level rebellion that installed politicians without a democratic mandate.

He said that ties with India have suffered as a result of their unaccountable rule, saying, “They were never elected through any due process, but they are in power today.”

According to Madhav, assaults against minorities are often the result of domestic unrest in Bangladesh. He said that whenever there is unrest in Bangladesh, fundamentalist extremists constantly take advantage of it to target minorities, particularly Hindu minority.

He described this as “definitely a matter of concern,” but said that India still sees the situation as short-term. He said, “We see it as a passing phase.”

Madhav said he hoped the elections that are scheduled for early next year will bring about change. He said, “We hope elections are held and an elected government takes power.”

He emphasized that India does not want to sway votes in its neighbors. He said, “You can’t expect people in another country to elect a government that you like.”

But it would be simpler to work with an elected administration, he said. He said that “an elected government is always easier to handle than an unelected and unaccountable leadership.”

Madhav emphasized how Bangladesh and India are interdependent. India and Bangladesh are bound to sail together as neighbors. Neither nation has a choice,” he said.

Using Sri Lanka as an example, he said that relations may become better after elections. He said, “Once in power, we are able to engage with them,” alluding to New Delhi’s interaction with Colombo’s new government in spite of previous hostilities.

According to Madhav, neighborhood problems are not brand-new. He said that India is still the only continuously stable democracy in South Asia and that “neighborhood has always been some amount of instability built into this region.”

He denied claims that anti-Indian animosity is spreading across the area. “Nothing like it,” he remarked, contending that internal political unrest in neighboring states is the root cause of most problems.

India’s strategy, according to Madhav, is still based on participation and moderation. He said, “Elected governments have a way to deal with each other.”

In addition to unsolved political and security issues, India and Bangladesh have strong cultural, economic, and civilizational links. Long-term regional peace, according to New Delhi, depends on democratic stability and the protection of minorities.