The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 20th August 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The ‘Livery of India’s Freedom’ is Under Threat 

Why in News?

The Prime Minister’s renewed call for a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in the week leading up to our Independence Day (August 9-15) offers us an opportunity to collectively introspect on our national flag and its significance to the country. His moral duplicity in paying deference to the national flag while pledging allegiance to an organisation that has remained, indifferent to it, is one matter. The rampant adoption of machine-manufactured polyester flags, with raw materials often imported from China and elsewhere, is another.

What do we know about the Flag Code of India?

• It permitted the free display of the Indian flag as long as it was done with respect and honor.
• The flag code did not replace the existing regulations on how the flag should be displayed correctly.
• Instead, it aimed to consolidate all the past laws, customs, and practices.
• It is structured into three main parts:
  • A general description of the Indian tricolor flag.
  • Guidelines on how the flag should be displayed by public, private bodies, and educational institutions.
  • Regulations for flag display by governments and related entities.
• It specifies that the flag should not be used for commercial purposes or dipped in salute to any individual or object.
• Furthermore, the flag should not be employed as a festoon or for decorative purposes.
• For official display, only flags meeting the specifications set by the Bureau of Indian Standards and bearing their mark are to be used.

What is the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign?

• 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign is part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, urging people to bring the Indian flag home and hoist it for India's 75th independence year.
• Our connection with the flag has been more formal and official than personal.
• Bringing the flag home together in the 75th independence year signifies a personal link to the flag and dedication to nation-building.
• The initiative aims to kindle patriotism and raise awareness about the Indian National Flag.

What do we know about India’s National Flag?

• History:
  • In 1906, the first national flag was raised at the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta. It had three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green.
  • In 1921, freedom fighter Pingali Venkayya met Mahatma Gandhi and suggested a new design for the flag with two red and green bands.
  • The Tricolour, after going through changes, was officially chosen as the national flag at a Congress Committee meeting in Karachi in 1931.
  • The present form of the Indian flag was adopted during a Constituent Assembly meeting on 22nd July 1947.
• Rules Governing the Tricolour: 
  •  The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950: It limits the use of important national symbols like the national flag, the coat-of-arms of government departments, the official seal of the President or Governor, images of Mahatma Gandhi and the Prime Minister, and the Ashoka Chakra. 
  •  The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971: This law forbids disrespect or desecration of significant national emblems such as the national flag, the Constitution, the national anthem, and the map of India. 
  •  If someone is found guilty of specific offenses under this Act, they are barred from running for Parliament or state legislature for six years. 
  •  These offenses include insulting the National Flag, disrespecting the Constitution of India, and obstructing the singing of the National Anthem. 
  •  Part IV-A of the Constitution: This section of the Constitution, encapsulated in Article 51-A, outlines eleven Fundamental Duties. 
  •  Article 51-A (a) mandates every Indian citizen to uphold and honor the Constitution, its principles, the National Flag, and the National Anthem. 

Protecting Indian capital in Bangladesh 

Why in News?

In a shocking turn of events, Sheikh Hasina resigned as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and has left the country. Sheikh Hasina’s exit brought an abrupt end to her 15-year reign. The old order in Bangladesh with Sheikh Hasina at the helm has changed irreversibly, and India will have to adjust to the change. The Political vacuum and ouster of Sheikh Hasina would have serious implications for India-Bangladesh Relations.

 Reasons Behind Sheikh Hasina’s Exit

• Peaceful Student demonstration turning into a nationwide movement: The peaceful student protest against the reservation of 30% of civil service positions for freedom fighters escalated into a countrywide movement because of the Government's forceful tactics. The students were attacked by the student wing of Awami League, Bangladesh Chhatra League. A strict curfew was imposed with orders to shoot on sight, and the protesters were labeled as 'Razakars,' a term linked to collaborators during the 1971 war, which further heightened tensions.
• Economic Growth slowdown: Bangladesh experienced rapid economic growth during Sheikh Hasina's leadership. The country's per capita income tripled in ten years, and over 25 million people were lifted out of poverty in the last two decades according to the World Bank. However, the pandemic in 2020 and a decelerating global economy adversely affected the garment industry, leading to increased unemployment, economic inflation, and dissatisfaction among the Bangladeshi population.
• Decline in democratic principles: The parliamentary elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024 were contentious and lacked broad participation due to low voter turnout, violence, and boycotts by opposition groups.
• Dependence on Force to uphold Authority: Hasina's administration increasingly leaned on authoritative measures to maintain control, fostering an atmosphere of fear and oppression. For example, the Digital Security Act of 2018 became a powerful tool for the government and its supporters to silence critics and suppress freedom of expression online.
• Rising economic inequality: The rise in bank frauds, a growing list of loan defaulters, and widespread corruption spurred public unrest despite overall economic advancements. Notably, companies like CLC Power, Western Marine Shipyard, and Remex Footwear were among the top defaulters, with bad loans ranging from 965 crore to 1,649 crore Bangladeshi Taka.

How did India- Bangladesh Relations prosper Under Sheikh Hasina’s Regime?

• Improved Relations between India and Bangladesh

  Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, the ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have strengthened.

• Elimination of Anti-India Terror Groups

  During Sheikh Hasina's tenure, groups hostile to India were removed, including Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh.

• Enhanced Bilateral Trade

  Trade between India and Bangladesh flourished under Sheikh Hasina, with significant growth in bilateral trade volume.

• Boosted Connectivity Projects

  Infrastructure and connectivity initiatives between India and Bangladesh were expanded, facilitating smoother transportation and trade.

  • Inauguration of cross-border rail links and port connections.
  • Operational bus routes between major cities.
  • Agreements on port usage and infrastructure development.
• FTA Negotiations

  Discussions on a free trade agreement were initiated, aiming to reduce tariffs and promote trade between India and Bangladesh.

• Land Boundary Agreement

  A resolution was reached regarding disputed territories, settling a longstanding issue between the two nations.

• Deepened Energy Cooperation

  Collaboration in the energy sector expanded, with significant electricity imports and pipeline projects between India and Bangladesh.

• Strengthened Defence Cooperation

  India and Bangladesh engaged in joint military exercises and maintained a robust defense relationship.

• Thriving Tourism and Medical Collaboration

  Both countries saw growth in tourism, with Bangladesh contributing significantly to India's medical tourism sector.

What is the significance of Bangladesh for India?

• Geo-strategic: Bangladesh is very important for India because it helps India connect to the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia.
• Geo-political: A stable and friendly Bangladesh is crucial for India's safety. It's important for both countries to work together on issues like counter-terrorism and border security to keep peace in South Asia. India needs Bangladesh's support to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
• Economic: Bangladesh is vital for India's exports and trade. Strengthening the economic relationship between India and Bangladesh is important for India to reach its economic goals.
• Cultural and civilisational: Bangladesh has a large Hindu Bengali population and many cultural sites linked to India.
• International cooperation: Cooperation between India and Bangladesh is key for regional forums like BIMSTEC, SAARC, and UNFCCC meetings.

Challenges due to Sheikh Hasina's exit in India-Bangladesh Relations:

• Security challenges: Risks of security issues might rise due to anti-India groups, especially with tensions on the border with Pakistan and the standoff in Ladakh.
• Threat to India's connectivity with the North-east: Problems in India-Bangladesh relations could limit India's access to the Northeast.
• Impact on Bilateral trade and FTA: Sheikh Hasina leaving office could harm trade between India and Bangladesh and delay their free trade agreement.
• Deterioration of people-to-people ties: There's a risk of negative reactions from the people of Bangladesh and new power groups in Dhaka.
• Geopolitical challenges: Pakistan and China might use the political change in Bangladesh to challenge India's influence there.

What are the other Challenges in India-Bangladesh Relations?

Sharing of Transboundary River Waters 

• India and Bangladesh have 54 rivers in common.
• Only two treaties have been signed for sharing river waters: Ganga Waters Treaty and The Kushiyara River Treaty.
• A major conflict is the Teesta river water dispute where Bangladesh wants fair sharing of water, but India and West Bengal disagree.

Deportation of Rohingyas 

• India and Bangladesh have different views on deporting Rohingyas back to Myanmar.
• India prefers deporting from its mainland first before assisting in deportations from Bangladesh to Myanmar.

Cross-Border Terrorism and Infiltration 

• Border issues lead to threats like terrorism and infiltration into India.
• Concerns include armed crimes, fake currency, smuggling, and illegal activities.
• Drug Smuggling & Trafficking 
  • India remains a key route for trafficking heroin from South Asia to Europe through Bangladesh.
  • A report by the International Narcotics Control Board in 2007 highlights the issue.

Growing Chinese Influence in Bangladesh 

• Bangladesh is actively involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• China has invested significantly in Bangladesh's infrastructure with various projects.
• This raises concerns for India's regional influence and strategic goals.

Attacks on Minorities across Borders 

• Incidents of violence against different groups strain the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
• Attacks on minorities in both countries affect people-to-people and cultural ties.

What Should be India’s approcah to deal with the Bangladesh Crisis?

• Support for popular expression - India, known for its lively multi-party democracy, should be viewed as endorsing the voice of the people in a neighboring nation. For instance, India's backing of the public movement in Nepal in 2006 against the autocratic monarchy and the reinstatement of a multi-party system.
• Readiness to enhance bilateral relations - India should demonstrate its willingness to strengthen economic ties with a new government. It's crucial to refrain from categorizing the current political transition as being against India or Hinduism.
• Exercise caution and discretion - India should be careful and subtle in its responses. It's wise to keep opportunities open for maintaining close and mutually beneficial relationships, similar to India's approach towards the challenging regime in the Maldives under Mohamed Muizzu.
• Formation of Joint Task Forces and Effective Border Management - There is a necessity to form joint task forces involving law enforcement agencies from both nations to combat cross-border issues like drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal immigration.
• Creation of a Digital Connectivity Corridor - Establishing a digital connection pathway between the two countries, focusing on high-speed internet, digital services, and e-commerce. This initiative can open up new avenues for trade, cooperation, and technological exchanges.
• Timely finalization of India-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA) - As Bangladesh is set to lose its Least Developed Country status post-2026, including its duty-free access to the Indian market, India must swiftly conclude an FTA with Bangladesh. Additionally, precautions should be taken to prevent China from exploiting the FTA to flood India with goods via the RCEP agreement, of which Bangladesh is a member.

The step down of Sheikh Hasina teaches us a valuable lesson that echoes not just in Bangladesh but globally. It emphasizes the fine line between advancing society economically and upholding democratic principles, both of which are crucial to people who have never seen them as incompatible.