Demand for Nuclear Power in Bangladesh with Pakistan’s Help, Rising Anti-India Sentiment.
The demand for a nuclear treaty with Pakistan and the growing anti-India sentiment in some sections of Bangladesh has become a serious and complex issue. While there has been no official response from the Bangladeshi government on this matter, it is clear that the country is undergoing significant political and strategic shifts.
Recently, anti-India sentiment has been rapidly emerging in Bangladesh, particularly after Sheikh Hasina left the country. A new demand made by Dhaka University professor Shahiduzzaman has further fueled this sentiment. In his recent address, he stated that Bangladesh should enter into a nuclear treaty with Pakistan to become a nuclear power. He believes Pakistan can be Bangladesh’s most reliable and trustworthy ally, and this is necessary to counter India. While speaking at a seminar, Professor Shahiduzzaman advocated for making Bangladesh a nuclear-capable nation. He emphasized the need for a robust security strategy against India, and according to him, a nuclear treaty with Pakistan is the best option. He stated, “We must enter into a nuclear treaty with Pakistan. Pakistan is Bangladesh’s most reliable security partner, but India does not want to accept this fact.”
Clarifying his stance, Professor Shahiduzzaman explained that becoming a nuclear power doesn’t mean Bangladesh should develop nuclear weapons itself. Instead, he suggested that Bangladesh should become nuclear-capable by leveraging Pakistan’s technology and expertise. He said, “To challenge India’s current stance and thinking, we need to take steps toward becoming nuclear-capable. Cooperation with Pakistan in this regard can strengthen our security.”
In his address, Professor Shahiduzzaman also argued that Bangladesh cannot have a solid strategy to counter India without Pakistan’s cooperation. According to him, Pakistan’s military strength and missile technology could be extremely beneficial for Bangladesh. He further added that Pakistan’s support is essential to deal with India. One of the most controversial comments came when Professor Shahiduzzaman called for deploying Pakistani missiles in Bangladesh. He said, “We should acquire Ghauri short-range missiles from Pakistan and deploy them in northern Bangladesh and other mountainous regions. This move could be an effective way to put pressure on India.”
Since Sheikh Hasina left office, anti-India rhetoric has surged in Bangladesh. A significant number of Bangladeshis are now advocating for closer ties with Pakistan. Figures like Shahiduzzaman are openly claiming that Pakistan is the only option to curb India’s influence. The growing anti-India sentiment and pro-Pakistan ideology in Bangladesh have introduced a new dynamic to international relations.
