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Lynching ignites diplomatic crisis between Dhaka and Delhi
Relations between Bangladesh and India have plunged into fresh turmoil after a Hindu man was beaten to death by a mob in northern Bangladesh last week, sparking protests and mutual accusations of destabilization.
Key events escalating tensions
Dipu Chandra Das, 27, a garment worker from Bangladesh's Hindu minority, was accused of blasphemy and lynched in Mymensingh. Videos of the attack, which showed his body tied to a tree and set ablaze, circulated widely on social media, fueling outrage in both countries.
Bangladeshi police have arrested 12 people in connection with the killing, while the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, condemned the violence and vowed justice.
Protests and diplomatic fallout
The killing occurred hours before violent demonstrations erupted in Dhaka over the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student leader. Hadi's supporters alleged that the main suspect, linked to the Awami League-former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party-had fled to India. Bangladeshi police, however, denied confirmation of the suspect's whereabouts.
Anti-India sentiment surged, with protesters attempting to march on the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. In Chittagong, a mob pelted the Indian Assistant High Commission with stones, leading to the detention of 12 individuals, all later released without charges. India, in turn, condemned the attack and suspended visa services in several cities, including Delhi.
Historical grievances resurface
Distrust between the neighbors is not new. Many Bangladeshis resent India's perceived interference during Hasina's 15-year rule, particularly after her ouster in last year's uprising. India's refusal to extradite Hasina, who sought refuge in Delhi, has further inflamed tensions.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Riva Ganguly Das, told the BBC she hoped tensions would not escalate, but acknowledged the volatility of Bangladesh's current political climate.
Minority safety concerns
Analysts warn that Das's killing underscores the growing vulnerability of minorities and secular voices in Bangladesh. Since Hasina's departure, radical Islamist groups have targeted Sufi shrines, Hindu communities, and cultural events, while restricting women's participation in sports and public life.
"Hardline elements now see themselves as the mainstream. They oppose pluralism and diversity, labeling critics as pro-India to justify attacks."
Asif Bin Ali, Bangladeshi political analyst
Election uncertainty and future risks
Bangladesh is scheduled to hold elections on 12 February, but the interim government faces criticism for failing to curb violence. With Hasina's Awami League barred from participating, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to win, though Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami could disrupt stability.
Experts, including Uppsala University's Ashok Swain, argue that right-wing rhetoric on both sides is exacerbating tensions. Swain emphasized that Bangladesh's stability is critical to India's security, particularly in its northeastern regions.
Calls for diplomatic reset
Former Bangladeshi diplomat Humayun Kabir urged India to accept the new reality and rebuild trust, stressing the countries' interdependence. Delhi has signaled willingness to engage with an elected Bangladeshi government, but until then, analysts warn that street-level anger could further strain ties.
"The biggest victim of anti-India politics isn't India-it's Bangladesh's secular citizens, centrists, and minorities."
Asif Bin Ali
