Tensions between India and Bangladesh have surged following protests and counter-protests over alleged mistreatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The diplomatic strain, already high after the exile of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in August, has worsened due to recent events.
The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on sedition charges triggered protests in India, led by Hindu activists and politicians from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The situation escalated on Monday when protesters stormed the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala, damaging property and desecrating the Bangladeshi flag.
India’s government expressed regret over the incident, ensuring increased security for Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions. However, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling for a thorough investigation. “Our officers were terrified,” said Touhid Hossain, foreign affairs adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government.
Bangladesh officials attribute the uproar to disinformation and sensationalist reporting by Indian media, which they accuse of portraying Bangladesh negatively. Meanwhile, Indian analysts argue that Bangladesh must address its internal issues, particularly the treatment of minorities, to ease tensions.
The arrest of Chinmoy Das, formerly associated with the religious organization ISKCON, remains controversial. While the Bangladeshi government claims his actions violated national symbols, supporters deny the allegations, suggesting internal disputes within ISKCON might be at play. The monk’s imprisonment has reportedly fueled attacks on Hindu temples and increased fear among Bangladesh’s minority communities.
Despite deploying additional security forces, the Bangladeshi interim government insists there is no coordinated campaign against minorities. Religious tensions, however, remain high, with activists on both sides warning that continued inflammatory rhetoric could spiral into further violence.
The escalating protests, coupled with Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged stay in India, have strained bilateral ties. Experts urge both nations to tone down their rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of their strategic partnership.
Ordinary citizens are feeling the impact of the unrest. Muhammad Inayatullah, a Bangladeshi traveler to India, described feeling uneasy as he encountered protests at the Petrapole border in West Bengal. “Hearing slogans against your country while crossing the border is unsettling,” he shared.
As the situation unfolds, both nations face the challenge of de-escalating tensions and restoring diplomatic harmony.