This refers to the article, “Plotting and scheming to derail secularism” (January 11) by Hiranmay Karlekar. Going by Bangladesh's history, the people of that country have always been at the receiving end of the war of attrition between the two powerful women politicians, Begum Khaleda Zia and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
It is true that a re-election at this stage, under pressure from global powers such as the US and the UK and the rest of the West, will invariably cause severe damage to the country's floundering economy and allow communal tendencies to gain ground. The West sees the issue from a narrow perspective.
Ms Hasina has, all through her tenure, been enjoying an excellent rapport with India. In case the country is precipitated into another election afresh, her future, and that of India-Bangladesh relations, will definitely be threatened. It is in India's interest that Ms Hasina control the reins of power in this neighbouring country.