The relationship between the neighboring countries, which had previously been characterized by cooperation, has deteriorated sharply following the popular overthrow of Bangladesh’s authoritarian leader earlier this year. Indian authorities, especially from Hindu rights organizations, have accused Bangladesh of complicity in violence against Hindus, prompting the current government in Dhaka to retaliate with claims that India is inflating the issue to serve its own religious-nationalist agenda.
As tensions escalate, there is an increasing apprehension within Bangladesh about potential retaliatory violence, particularly given the country’s majority Muslim demographic. The risk of sectarian conflict places additional strain on the interim leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is trying to steer Bangladesh towards stability and reform.
Experts, such as Smruti Pattanaik from the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, have warned that the current climate is being exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric on social media, with both sides fanning the flames of communal discord. She emphasizes the urgent necessity for the governments involved to mediate the situation to foster healthy bilateral relations.
The deterioration of relations intensified after the political upheaval that forced Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, into exile in India last August. Since then, acts of violence against Hindus have been reported, sparking fears of increasing religious unrest, not only within Bangladesh but also across the border in India. Local Hindu leaders assert that while the turmoil has led to many casualties, those from the Hindu community represent only a fraction of the total deaths.
As the situation develops, both countries face pressing challenges to address the underlying issues before they spiral further into conflict.
As tensions escalate, there is an increasing apprehension within Bangladesh about potential retaliatory violence, particularly given the country’s majority Muslim demographic. The risk of sectarian conflict places additional strain on the interim leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is trying to steer Bangladesh towards stability and reform.
Experts, such as Smruti Pattanaik from the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, have warned that the current climate is being exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric on social media, with both sides fanning the flames of communal discord. She emphasizes the urgent necessity for the governments involved to mediate the situation to foster healthy bilateral relations.
The deterioration of relations intensified after the political upheaval that forced Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, into exile in India last August. Since then, acts of violence against Hindus have been reported, sparking fears of increasing religious unrest, not only within Bangladesh but also across the border in India. Local Hindu leaders assert that while the turmoil has led to many casualties, those from the Hindu community represent only a fraction of the total deaths.
As the situation develops, both countries face pressing challenges to address the underlying issues before they spiral further into conflict.
