Could India Experience a Bangladesh like Crisis?

In Bangladesh, at least 300 people reportedly died in the violence. Curfews were imposed and the internet was shut down for several days, impacting the day-to-day operations in the “fragile” economy. 

Historical Context

• Emergency Period in India (1975-1977):
  • General TN Raina refused to involve the army in politics during the Emergency.
  • Demonstrated professionalism and apolitical nature of the Indian Army.
• Freedom Struggle Legacy:
  • Indian freedom struggle based on values, especially Gandhian non-violence.
  • Shaped Indian mindset towards peaceful protests.

Constitutional Framework

• Indian Constitution:
  • Resilient and protected by the Basic Structure Doctrine (Kesavananda Bharati case).
  • Secularism and free/fair elections part of basic structure.
  • Cannot be altered by any government.
• Bangladesh Constitution:
  • Multiple changes to basic structure.
  • 8th Amendment: Declared Islam as state religion.
  • 15th Amendment: Removed caretaker government provision for elections.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Political System

• India:
  • Multi-party system. 
  • Federal structure with strong state-level parties.
  • Smooth transfer of power historically.
• Bangladesh:
• • Tendency towards one-party rule.
  • Awami League in power for 15 years.
  • Accusations of dictatorship against Sheikh Hasina.

Military and Governance

• India: 
  • Concept of “Coup-proofing” (Steven Wilkinson).
  • Clear separation between military and internal affairs.
  • Paramilitary forces (CRPF, CISF) for internal security.
• Bangladesh: 
  • Military interference in internal matters.
  • History of coups and political instability.

Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store

Societal Structure

• India:
  • Highly diverse (ethnicity, language, religion).
  • Diversity acts as a safeguard against uniformity in public opinion.
• Bangladesh:
  • Relatively homogeneous society.
  • Easier to mobilize the population on single issues.

Economic Factors

• India:
  • Diverse and resilient economy.
  • 5th largest economy globally.
  • Not dependent on a single sector.
• Bangladesh:
  • Economy heavily dependent on textile sector.
  • Vulnerable to sector-specific fluctuations.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

Despite some surface-level similarities, India’s robust democratic institutions, diverse society, and economic resilience make it unlikely to face a situation similar to Bangladesh’s recent crisis.

DOWNLOAD PDF