The escalating tensions between Bangladesh and its neighbour India are marked by a fierce exchange of accusations sparked by protests and counter-protests regarding the purported mistreatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Once characterized by the close alliance, diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries have strained since August. This shift followed the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh amid a public uprising; she is currently residing in India.
The recent arrest of a Hindu monk has ignited widespread protests across India, drawing participation from activists affiliated with Hindu organizations as well as politicians, including members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On Monday, a significant incident unfolded in Agartala, where a group of protesters breached the consulate building of Bangladesh, leading to acts of vandalism. This event has raised concerns regarding security and diplomatic relations in the region.
In the following hours, a large gathering of students and activists took to the streets of Dhaka to voice their opposition to the recent storming of the consulate.
The Indian government has disapproved of the attack, labelling it “deeply regrettable.”
India’s foreign ministry issued a statement emphasizing that diplomatic and consular properties must always be protected. The ministry also announced measures to enhance security for Bangladesh’s diplomatic facilities within its borders. Authorities have taken seven individuals into custody regarding the incident.
However, Dhaka is expressing intense anger.
The foreign ministry of Bangladesh condemned the attack, labelling it as “heinous,” and urged Delhi to conduct a comprehensive investigation while also calling for measures to avert any additional acts of violence targeting Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions.
“This situation is deplorable and cannot be deemed acceptable…” Hindu extremists invaded the premises, dismantled the flag stand, and defiled the [Bangladeshi] flag. Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs adviser to the interim government in Bangladesh, told the BBC, “Our officers and other staff were terrified.”
Officials in Bangladesh have stated that the protests occurring in India, including some near the border, have been incited by disinformation and intense media coverage from various Indian news organizations.
“Regrettably, the Indian media has overreacted to the situation.” Efforts are underway to depict Bangladesh in an overwhelmingly negative manner. “I don’t know why they are doing it and how it will benefit either Bangladesh or India; I fail to understand,” stated Mr Hossain, who serves as the de facto foreign minister.
Experts in India assert that developments in Bangladesh will likely have significant repercussions in the neighbouring country.
Emotions are intensifying across India. “Bangladesh must prioritize tackling the lawlessness in the country, especially the violence against minorities,” stated Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, a former Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, in an interview with the BBC.
Bangladesh holds a significant position for India, transcending the typical relationship of a neighbouring country. The partnership is vital in bolstering India’s border security, especially in the northeastern states. The two nations maintain strong cultural and linguistic connections.
In Bangladesh, Hindus make up a minority, representing less than 10% of the country’s 170 million residents.
Community leaders have consistently raised concerns about discrimination and hate attacks directed at them by Islamist groups and certain political parties.
Following the tumultuous ousting of Hasina in August, numerous supporters, including individuals from religious minorities typically aligned with her, faced targeted actions.
The recent arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das has reignited tensions in a region that had experienced weeks of relative calm.
In October, he was taken into custody on sedition charges, among others, following a protest in Chittagong where he advocated for minority rights. He faced accusations of hoisting a saffron flag, a colour linked to Hinduism, above the Bangladeshi national flag.
In a significant legal development last week, a court in Chittagong refused to grant bail to an individual, resulting in violent clashes that culminated in the tragic death of a Muslim lawyer. Authorities have apprehended numerous individuals linked to the recent homicide and associated acts of violence.
On Tuesday, the bail hearing for the monk was rescheduled to 2 January due to the absence of legal representation.
Chinmoy Das previously had a connection with the religious organization Iskcon. Hrishikesh Gauranga Das, a senior official of Iskcon in Dhaka, confirmed to the BBC that the monk was expelled from the organization earlier this year due to disciplinary issues.
Several students have reported instances of inappropriate behaviour by Chinmoy Das towards them. Letters were dispatched requesting his cooperation in the investigation of the matter. “However, he declined to cooperate,” the official stated.
Chinmoy Das remains incarcerated and is unable to provide a statement. However, a supporter conveyed to the BBC that the accusations against him are unfounded, suggesting they stem from “an internal feud between Iskcon leaders in Dhaka and Chittagong.”
Swatantra Gauranga Das, a supporter, refuted claims that Chinmoy Das had shown disrespect towards the Bangladeshi national flag.
The recent arrest has intensified the already charged atmosphere in Bangladesh.
Hrishikesh Gauranga Das expressed concerns that minorities in Bangladesh are currently “living in fear.”
Uncertainty looms as the future remains unclear. “The government is making efforts to ensure security, but controlling the majority of the population proves to be a challenge,” he stated.
According to reports, three Iskcon temples have experienced minor damages following acts of vandalism attributed to miscreants in recent days.
The interim government in Bangladesh has acknowledged its awareness of the sensitivities involved and asserts that it provides equal treatment to all communities.
Additional forces have been deployed to enhance security at Iskcon and Hindu temples, as well as in areas where religious minorities reside. “While there may have been isolated incidents, there are no coordinated attacks on minorities,” stated Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus.
Religious tensions have long been a fixture in the region, prompting concern among activists from both sides. They fear that the continuation of inflammatory speeches and protests may lead to an uncontrollable escalation of the situation.
Hasina’s visit to India has become a significant source of tension in bilateral relations, with rising protests in both nations poised to strain the situation further.
Analysts emphasize the importance of India and Bangladesh as neighbouring countries that rely on one another, suggesting that it is crucial to reduce the prevailing rhetoric.
The ongoing protests have significantly affected everyday individuals who journey from Bangladesh to India for business, tourism, or medical care.
Earlier this week, as Muhammad Inayatullah crossed into India to meet friends, he encountered a demonstration by Hindu activists at the Petrapole border in West Bengal.
Mr. Inayatullah expressed his discomfort to BBC Bengali, stating, “It’s not pleasant to hear people shouting slogans against your country when you cross the border.”
