Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India have deteriorated significantly following the mob lynching of a Hindu garment worker in Dhaka on December 18. The incident, allegedly motivated by blasphemy accusations, has triggered a chain of protests and reciprocal diplomatic measures that have brought bilateral ties to a concerning low.
In response to growing tensions, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on Tuesday to express “grave concern” over recent demonstrations outside Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities. This diplomatic action coincided with fresh protests in New Delhi, where hundreds of demonstrators waving saffron flags gathered near Bangladesh’s High Commission. Protesters from right-wing Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) organizations carried banners reading “Stop Killing Hindus in Bangladesh,” with clashes erupting between VHP members and security personnel.
The underlying tensions stem from broader political turmoil in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid pro-democracy protests last year. India continues to consider Dhaka’s extradition requests for Hasina, who received a death sentence in absentia for her alleged role in suppressing the uprising.
The situation further complicated when Sharif Osman Hadi, a parliamentary candidate and vocal India critic, was assassinated in Dhaka this month. Subsequent protests saw arson attacks on buildings perceived as pro-India, including newspaper offices and cultural institutions. In response to stone-throwing incidents at its diplomatic mission in Chattogram, India suspended visa services there, with Bangladesh reciprocating by temporarily suspending visa services in New Delhi.
International observers, including Russia, have urged both nations to repair relations. Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander G. Khozin emphasized the urgency of reconciliation, stating “The sooner this happens, the better” in recent comments to the Dhaka Tribune.