In brief
The recent lynching of a Hindu worker amid protests over a separate murder has plunged India-Bangladesh relations into crisis. The two countries are accusing each other of failing to ensure security, which has led to heightened anti-India sentiment among some groups in Bangladesh. The situation has sparked protests on both sides of the border and questions about the future of their once-strong relationship.
The killing of a Hindu man during recent violent protests in Bangladesh has pushed already strained ties between Dhaka and Delhi into a deeper crisis. As the two neighbours accuse each other of destabilising relations, questions are growing over whether their once close, time-tested relationship is fraying beyond repair.In India, the episode has sparked protests by Hindu nationalist groups. The man who was killed - Dipu Chandra Das, 27 - a member of Bangladesh's Hindu minority, was accused of blasphemy and beaten to death by a mob last week in Mymensingh, in northern Bangladesh.The incident happened as violent protests broke out over the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader, in the capital, Dhaka. Hadi's supporters alleged that the main suspect, who they say is linked to the Awami League - the party of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina - had fled to India, further fuelling anti-India sentiment in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. However, Bangladeshi police reported no confirmation of the suspect leaving the country.In recent days, the two countries have suspended visa services in several cities, including Delhi, and have accused each other of failing to protect their diplomatic missions. Furthermore, both nations have summoned each other's high commissioners to discuss security concerns.Riva Ganguly Das, a former Indian high commissioner to Dhaka, expressed hopes that tensions would not escalate further. She noted that the volatile situation in Bangladesh made it challenging to predict the development of ties.Anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh is not new, with a segment of Bangladeshis resenting perceived Indian dominance, particularly after Hasina sought refuge in India following her ousting last year. Following Hadi's killing, young leaders in Bangladesh made provocative anti-India statements, further jeopardizing ties.There have also been counter-protests in India, with the Bangladeshi government condemning anti-Bangladesh rallies. Diplomatic relations have soured significantly, with unprecedented suspicion between the two nations.Analysts warn that hardline voices on both sides are exacerbating tensions. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for February 12, may further complicate the situation, as fears of violence persist amid rising radical elements seeking to exploit anti-India sentiments.The recent violence raises immediate concerns regarding the safety of minorities and civil society within Bangladesh, a situation that has prompted rights groups to voice their alarm about increasing mob violence and intolerance. With an interim government now in place, the struggle to maintain civil order and political stability looms large, necessitating urgent diplomatic dialogue to avert further escalation.
