Relations between Dhaka and Delhi have fallen to an all-time low, with mounting tensions showing little sign of easing as neither government has taken visible steps to defuse the situation.
Diplomatic experts warn that the standoff risks spiralling out of control if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
On Tuesday, a large group of Hindu activists staged protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, located deep inside India’s highly secured diplomatic enclave. Protesters burned the Bangladeshi flag and an effigy of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, issuing warnings to Bangladesh’s interim government.
The protests followed a call issued on Monday by right-wing organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). At a press conference in Mumbai, VHP leader Alok Kumar urged Indian citizens and the government to launch a coordinated campaign against Bangladesh, including demonstrations in front of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities.
Earlier, on Saturday night, another group of protesters gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi while High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah and his family were inside the chancery complex, raising serious concerns over diplomatic security.
Diplomatic fallout
In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner on Tuesday morning, expressing deep concern over the safety and security of Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India. This marked the second such summons within days; the envoy was earlier called in on December 14 amid escalating political tensions in Bangladesh.
During the earlier meeting, Dhaka also conveyed serious concern over what it described as “incendiary statements” made by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil, accusing her of attempting to undermine the upcoming parliamentary elections.
On the international front, Pakistani political leader Kamran Saeed Usmani, head of the youth wing of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League, in a video message Tuesday said that any move by New Delhi against Dhaka would invite a response from Islamabad.
“If India attacks Bangladesh’s autonomy, if anyone dares to cast an evil eye towards Bangladesh, then remember that the people of Pakistan, the Pakistani armed forces, and our missiles are not far away,” he said.
Immediate de-escalation needed
Former diplomats caution that the situation may worsen if both sides fail to act promptly.
“It is a matter of grave concern when two neighbours display hostile behaviour,” said a former Bangladeshi diplomat who served in Delhi, requesting anonymity. “In diplomacy, a country cannot change its neighbours. Both will lose if tensions continue.”
Another former diplomat stressed the need for dialogue. “There is an urgent need for high-level engagement to address misunderstandings. While foreign policy reflects domestic politics, diplomats must remain sensitive to the concerns of the other side,” he said.
Matters of contention
Anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh intensified during the Awami League’s rule, largely due to New Delhi’s unequivocal backing of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Conversely, anti-Bangladesh sentiment in India has surged since Hasina’s fall last year, with hostile narratives becoming increasingly visible in Indian media and political discourse.
From the Indian side, minority card has long been raised as an issue, with renewed focus after Prof Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government. Indian officials have also commented on Bangladesh’s electoral process, remarks that Dhaka has publicly rejected. Meanwhile, Hasina’s continued political activities from Indian territory have drawn repeated protests from Bangladesh.
Domestically, Bangladesh’s political messaging is currently dominated by two narratives: opposition to Hasina and growing anti-India sentiment. Similar dynamic exists in India, where the “Bangladesh card” can influence electoral politics.
Escalation during Yunus period
Over the past year and a half, Dhaka–Delhi relations have been marked by diplomatic summons, vandalism of missions, street protests, and sharp political rhetoric. While tensions had remained contained, the situation worsened significantly after the election schedule was announced on December 11.
The following day, young political leader Shariful Islam Hadi was shot, sparking rumours that the killer had fled to India. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka was summoned on December 14. On December 15, National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah made provocative remarks targeting India, including threats related to separatist movements in India’s northeast.
Subsequently, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in India was summoned on December 17. The next day, Dipu Chandra Das, a member of the Hindu community, was killed in Mymensingh, an incident that Indian authorities and media highlighted prominently. In its aftermath, right-wing groups such as the VHP and Bajrang Dal intensified protests against Bangladesh.
Regional implications
Analysts warn that rising tensions between Bangladesh and India–two key South Asian states–could destabilise the region with Pakistan already signalling its interest to exploit the situation.
“What is needed now is political maturity from both sides, leaders who can act beyond populist pressures,” said a former diplomat. “Escalating anti-India or anti-Bangladesh sentiment will only create space for third parties to take advantage.”
Another diplomat pointed out India’s security concerns in its northeastern states. “An unstable Bangladesh increases risks for India. While Sheikh Hasina addressed India’s security priorities and received unwavering support in return, many Bangladeshis now feel betrayed by Delhi’s backing of an autocratic regime for 15 years,” he said.
Observers stress that both countries must re-engage politically to calm tensions and ensure a peaceful electoral environment in Bangladesh. Failure to do so, he warned, could lead to further instability, which may lead to the postponement of the upcoming elections.
