Bangladesh on the brink
As they say, history repeats itself, and no place better than Bangladesh confirms it. Political assassinations have a long history in Bangladesh, and those assassinations have been turning points in the country’s politics. The recent assassination of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi has once again shown how fragile peace is in Bangladesh. News of his assassination ignited the streets of Dhaka, and within hours chaos reigned on the streets. However, what began as outrage over a brutal killing quickly turned into a challenge to state authority, with protesters breaching Parliament premises. Hadi’s murder carries all the hallmarks of Bangladesh’s violent political past, where assassinations are rarely isolated crimes and often signal a larger power struggle. His death galvanised youth groups and opposition factions, and anti-India sentiment prevailed across the country.
Ironically, the protests that followed Hadi’s funeral were as much about anger over his demise as they were about the lack of governance and the multitude of grievances people have regarding the non-actions of the government.
Ironically, the participation of various student groups and the National Citizen Party indicates an organised political opposition to the present government, built on anti-India sentiment. The government has either failed, or deliberately chosen not, to curb the violence and attacks on properties linked to the former ruling Awami League, and attempts to march towards Indian diplomatic facilities point to a deliberate effort to widen the conflict. Anti-India slogans and unsubstantiated claims that Hadi’s killers fled across the border appear to show a deliberate attempt to point fingers at India and inflame nationalist sentiment.
Who killed Hadi — and why — remains the central unanswered question. Possibilities range from intra-party rivalries and factional score-settling to attempts by extremist or destabilising forces to provoke chaos during a sensitive political phase. The interim government’s challenge is to deliver justice swiftly while preventing the tragedy from becoming a pretext for sustained disorder and further spoiling relations with India.
For India, Bangladesh is not just a neighbour but a strategic partner in trade, connectivity and regional security. The targeting of Indian diplomatic sites, even symbolically, is not good news for India. New Delhi must tread carefully — reaffirming respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, securing its personnel, and quietly encouraging de-escalation without becoming a scapegoat. India must take the initiative to douse the flames and calm public sentiment in Bangladesh.
Whether Hadi’s killing becomes another chapter in unrest or a moment that forces institutional course correction will depend on how the present government handles this crisis. It is a difficult time for Bangladesh, and any further fanning of the flames could engulf the entire country; if that happens, India would certainly feel the heat.
