The relations between India and Bangladesh are on the ebb and if steps are not taken now, could deteriorate further

The relations between India and Bangladesh, long characterised by cultural ties and strategic cooperation, have soured in recent months. Protests, diplomatic outrage and heightened security concerns are the latest manifestations of the growing rift between the two neighbours. The arrest of a Hindu monk in Bangladesh has sparked unrest, further straining ties that have been under pressure since the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The minority has historically faced discrimination and sporadic violence, often exacerbated by political upheavals. Sheikh Hasina’s government, in power until her abrupt ousting in August, was seen as somewhat supportive of minorities, though her critics argue this support was inconsistent. Hasina’s exit, triggered by mass protests against alleged corruption and authoritarianism, plunged Bangladesh into political instability. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh has reignited long-standing grievances about the treatment of minorities in the country. Das was detained on charges of sedition and inciting unrest during an October protest advocating minority rights in Chittagong. His denied bail and the subsequent delay of his hearing until January 2025 have escalated tensions.

This has led to protests in India, headed by Hindu organisations and supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These protests culminated in an attack on the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala, causing significant diplomatic fallout. The vandalism at the consulate prompted sharp criticism from Dhaka, which labeled the incident ‘heinous’ and demanded stringent action from India. Bangladesh also summoned Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka to show its displeasure over the incident. Meanwhile, Indian authorities, while condemning the attack and increasing security for Bangladeshi diplomatic missions, have struggled to contain public sentiment. In Dhaka, the storming of the consulate sparked counter-protests, with students and activists condemning the incident and demanding accountability from India. The situation has become a flashpoint for nationalist and religious tensions on both sides. The strained relations carry significant risks. For India, Bangladesh is a vital partner in maintaining border security and managing regional stability. The two countries share deep economic ties and cultural connections, making any prolonged estrangement costly. However, mutual trust has eroded. While Indian side urge Bangladesh to address violence against minorities, Bangladeshi officials accuse Indian media of propagating disinformation. Both nations have had good relations and they must urgently de-escalate tensions. Resolving the immediate crisis surrounding the monk’s arrest, addressing minority rights concerns in Bangladesh, and curbing inflammatory rhetoric in India are critical steps.