Bangladesh Election: Why India is Watching Closely From Border Security to Bay of Bengal

• Bangladesh holds its first general election since the 2024 uprising, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus pledging a fair handover of power and democratic reforms.
• The election pits the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an Islamist coalition against other groups, with 127 million voters also deciding on a referendum for constitutional changes.
• India views Bangladesh as strategically, economically, and politically crucial due to a shared 4,000 km border, significant trade, and its role in India's Act East Policy.
• Political instability in Bangladesh could impact border security, trade, and regional growth, affecting India's eastern states and economic integration.
• India is concerned about China's growing footprint in Bangladesh through infrastructure, investment, and defense ties, particularly in the Bay of Bengal, which is critical for global trade and energy routes.