Rising radical governments, democracy’s hope

The Taliban’s Capture of Afghanistan and the Irony of “Karma”

• The Taliban’s capture of Afghanistan in 2021 led to the loss of US troops and $7.1 billion worth of U.S. weaponry.

• The U.S., the West, China, and Russia backed the Taliban, arguing it would discourage terrorism and protect women’s and minorities’ rights.

• The UN Security Council (UNSC) was criticized for not prioritizing democracy over democracy.

India’s Role in UNSC Resolutions

• India, the president of UNSC, had a significant influence in UNSC resolutions, including the paragraph relating to Afghan soil not being used for terrorist activities.

• The UNSC allowed the Taliban to receive donor money directly into its accounts, leading to the Taliban denying girls school education, imposing restrictions on women, and halting inclusive government efforts.

The Rise of Islamic Terrorists in Syria and Bangladesh

• In 2024, the Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, leader of the HTS, seizes power, leading to the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

• The U.S. and the West have backed the HTS and its leader, removing a bounty on al-Jolani’s head for his capture.

India’s Concerns in Bangladesh

• The U.S. is supporting the interim military-led government of Muhammad Yunus, seen as tolerating Islamic radical groups in Bangladesh and a threat to its minorities.

• The revival of Islamic radicalism in Bangladesh is needed, as the two countries have historically come closer for mutual benefit.

Radical Groups’ Influence on Bangladesh’s Political Situation

• Radical groups like Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Hefazat-e-Islam, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB), and Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) have exploited the situation in Bangladesh.

• These groups have targeted minority communities, forced the interim government to release Islamic extremists, and adopted anti-India rhetoric.

• India has condemned all forms of religious hate, including against non-Abrahamic religions, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists.

• Both sides should not view events purely through a religious lens, as this has been counterproductive.

• India has reiterated its readiness to do business with the interim government and removed most irritants in bilateral relations in the last two decades.

• India’s support during the Bangladesh Rifles revolt in 2009 and the first clean elections in 2008 is in Bangladesh’s interest.

• Bangladesh’s military coup should not translate into an Islamic coup and should not be compared to Syria or Afghanistan.