New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faced the consequences of ignoring the advice of India's national security establishment by appointing General Waker-uz-Zaman as Army Chief in June 2023, leading to her eventual downfall. Indian officials had alerted Sheikh Hasina about General Zaman's pro-China leanings before his appointment on June 23, 2023. Instead of addressing the escalating youth protests, General Zaman issued an ultimatum for Sheikh Hasina to leave the country with her sister. The release of BNP leader Khaleda Zia by the Junta indicates that Islamist organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatrashibir are set to dominate the country's radical politics.

Top Indian officials had cautioned Sheikh Hasina about General Waker-uz-Zaman's pro-China tendencies before his appointment as Bangladesh Army Chief on June 23, 2023. General Zaman, who gained attention on Monday after announcing Sheikh Hasina's resignation as Prime Minister following her departure from Dhaka, is related to the Awami League leader and was appointed to his position in June. His primary challenge now will be to maintain law and order following Hasina's resignation.

General Zaman, known for his friendly relations with India, stated in a televised address that an interim government would be formed after consulting with "all political parties" in Bangladesh. "We will now approach the President of the country to discuss the formation of the interim government, establish it, and manage the nation," he added.

Interestingly, Sheikh Hasina had already expressed to her Indian counterparts in April 2023 that she was reluctant to contest the January 2024 general elections and only participated after pressure from her supporters. Aware of the threats from Islamists and western-backed regime change agents, Hasina did not want her family members to succeed her, fearing for their safety. She served as a formidable barrier against Islamists, which crumbled due to the Army's actions on Monday.

While Sheikh Hasina is still reeling from her unexpected departure from Dhaka, the Modi government in India will not abandon their ally in the region and will consider granting political asylum in a third country to the ousted Prime Minister.

Despite the Army and radical factions celebrating Sheikh Hasina's exit, Bangladesh faces an economic crisis similar to Pakistan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, and will require support from western-backed financial institutions to survive. Given the high unemployment rate, radical students affiliated with JEI might turn against the Army if their demands are not met.

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