Dhaka: There have been continuous changes in Bangladesh since August last year. After Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka on August 5, 2024, an interim government is running under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus. After the formation of Yunus' government, China and Pakistan have tried to increase their influence in Dhaka. At the same time, work is also going on on the plan of humanitarian corridor between Bangladesh-Myanmar with the help of America. Amidst all this, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar Uz Zaman has visited Russia, which is important not only for Dhaka but also for India.
According to NDTV report, there have been reports of upheaval in the army as well as politics in Bangladesh. Unconfirmed reports of a coup plot in the army have surfaced recently. This coup could be against General Waqar Zaman. At such a time, General Zaman's visit to Russia becomes more special. Waqar Zaman visited Russia on 7 April. In Moscow, he met Russian Deputy Defense Minister General Fomin, Army Chief General Oleg Salyukov, as well as representatives of defense firms Rostec, Rosoboronexport and Rosatom.
Bangladeshi General's visit to Russia
The Russian Defense Ministry said on Zaman's visit that the two sides have discussed the possibilities of cooperation in the defense sector. There was also talk of strengthening relations between the armies of Russia and Bangladesh. Russian ships reached Bangladesh after Zaman's visit. For the first time in 50 years, Russian naval ships went to Bangladesh. In such a situation, it is important for both.
Zaman's visit to Moscow came at a time when US officials are constantly visiting Dhaka because they are interested in Myanmar. Yunus has visited China and hosted several top Pakistani officials. China has promised huge investments in Bangladesh and the Yunus government has opened the doors for engagement with Pakistan.
What did Zaman gain by going to Russia?
The Bangladesh government and most institutions seem to be bowing down to fundamentalist forces at the moment. In Bangladesh, the army is currently considered anti-fundamentalist. Therefore, the army often has to face opposition from Islamists. General Zaman has also pointed this out many times. In such a situation, Zaman's visit to Russia fulfilled three objectives simultaneously.
General Zaman, while visiting Russia, indicated to Yunus' interim government that the army can take over power if needed. The second goal was to balance China's presence. Bangladesh makes 70% of its military purchases from China. Zaman has tried to include Russia in this. The third goal of Zaman's visit was to show that Bangladesh wants to maintain its strategic autonomy and diversify military alliances by not joining any group.
How is this good news for India
Bangladesh has a special relationship with India and Russia. Apart from India, Russia also supported Bangladesh's independence in 1971. Currently, Russia is building Bangladesh's Rooppur nuclear power plant. This is the country's most expensive infrastructure project. Some Indian components are also included in it. In such a situation, India-Russia can work together with General Zaman. This can give India a chance to gain a foothold in Bangladesh again. India had a good influence in Dhaka during the Hasina government. If India gets a chance to reduce the influence of China-Pakistan in Dhaka through Zaman and Russia, then it can be a big success for India.
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