Bangladesh's BNP Resurgence: India Fears Pakistan-Friendly Shift Under Tarique Rahman

• India is deeply concerned about the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) potentially returning to power under Tarique Rahman, fearing a shift towards a Pakistan-friendly government.
• Tarique Rahman's return from exile and his mother Khaleda Zia's death have strengthened BNP's hard-line factions, leading to violent clashes.
• Historically, BNP has maintained close ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and an ideological affinity with Pakistan, expanding Islamabad's influence and strengthening Islamist forces during past governments.
• A BNP government would reverse the pragmatic partnership India had with the Awami League under Sheikh Hasina, which focused on economic cooperation and security.
• BNP's resurgence could accelerate Bangladesh's pivot towards Beijing and Islamabad, undermining India's security, strengthening Pakistan's influence, and emboldening Islamist networks.

Why It Matters: BNP's potential return under Tarique Rahman poses a significant strategic threat to India's regional interests.