Bangladesh is close to becoming a “failed state”: Indian paper

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Close on the heels of the mutiny by BDR personnel in Bangladesh, Indian security agencies have called for a cautious study of developments by the northeastern states and said New Delhi’s optimism about Dhaka is often misplaced.

“Our continued optimism has only resulted in huge influx and abuse of Bangladesh land and logistical support for anti-India subversive actions by northeast based insurgent groups,” intelligence officials said. In a recent dispatch, the agencies have stressed that often there has been “diplomatic, security and strategic failure” in understanding Bangladesh psyche, especially in terms of its commitment to democracy and “true friendship” with India.

Indian agencies are worried about the developments as there are several instances to testify that Bangladesh is close to becoming a “failed state”. The worst crisis of confidence between the two countries which left northeastern states like Meghalaya and Assam alarmed was when BSF soldiers were lynched by BDR jawans in 2001.

Officials said Bangladesh since its creation in 1971 is a story of repeated military coups, lack of control by elected civilian governments and frequent and substantial interference in governance by the clergy-military combine and overwhelming influence of Pakistan’s ISI. The recent mutiny by Bangladesh Rifles forces only highlights the vulnerability of the country and bring into focus the “need” for India to be more cautious, they said.