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A Bangladeshi academic and commentator, Dr. Shahiduzzaman, has sparked controversy with provocative remarks advocating for Bangladesh to acquire JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan and support insurgents in India's northeastern states. His statements, made in a recent video clip circulating on social media, have raised concerns in both India and Bangladesh.
In the video, Dr. Shahiduzzaman makes the bold claim that the JF-17 Thunder, a joint Chinese-Pakistani production, offers capabilities comparable to the American F-35 Lightning II, despite its significantly lower cost. This assertion has been met with skepticism by defence analysts, who point out that the F-35, a fifth-generation fighter, possesses stealth technology, advanced sensors, and a cutting-edge cockpit that far exceed the capabilities of the JF-17, a fourth-generation aircraft.
Further fueling the controversy, Dr. Shahiduzzaman called for Bangladesh to actively support insurgent groups in India's northeastern states, including Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram. He suggested that Bangladesh should aid separatist movements in these regions, which have long-standing demands for autonomy or independence from India.
These statements represent a departure from Bangladesh's traditionally non-confrontational approach to regional politics and have introduced tension into the Indo-Bangladesh relationship. While the two countries have generally maintained cooperation, there have been occasional disagreements, particularly over issues like border security and water sharing.
Dr. Shahiduzzaman's remarks have drawn criticism for their potential to destabilize the region and undermine existing diplomatic efforts. His call for supporting insurgency in India's northeast is particularly concerning, as it could exacerbate tensions and jeopardize peace in the region.
It is important to emphasize that Dr. Shahiduzzaman's views do not necessarily represent the official stance of the Bangladeshi government. However, his comments have sparked debate and raised questions about the future direction of Bangladesh's foreign policy. The impact of these controversial remarks on the delicate balance of power in South Asia and ongoing efforts to maintain regional peace and stability remains to be seen.
