WEB DESK: Political tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated from diplomatic disputes to trade restrictions and now a brewing sports boycott. Relations, tied by one of the world’s largest land borders and deep cultural links, have worsened since the 2024 overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former leader supported by India. After Hasina fled to India, the interim Bangladeshi government criticized India for not extraditing her. In turn, New Delhi condemned Dhaka over hostile rhetoric and violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority.
This mutual distrust led to both countries suspending visa operations after respective diplomatic missions faced protests. The row spilled into sports, with India barring a Bangladeshi cricketer from the IPL, and Bangladesh opting out of India-hosted World Cup matches.
Domestic politics complicate reconciliation as the issue fuels election narratives in both nations. India’s struggle mirrors its broader challenge of managing its neighborhood amidst political upheavals, where China also seeks influence. Meanwhile, Bangladesh faces internal disorder following Hasina’s ousting, with law enforcement weakened and rising extremism creating an identity crisis.
The legacy of Indian support during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence has frayed, particularly after Hasina’s oppressive 15-year rule. Critics in Bangladesh blame India for backing Hasina during her alleged human rights abuses and perceive New Delhi as complicit in political failures linked to her regime.
Upcoming Bangladeshi elections have banned Hasina’s party, leading many candidates to campaign on anti-India rhetoric amplified by Islamic extremism. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus struggles to manage political factions while maintaining diplomatic ties with India. Meanwhile, India resists Yunus’s requests to repatriate Hasina or curtail her exiled party’s activities.
Indian media has painted Yunus as sympathetic to extremists despite his efforts to address lawlessness, which he argues is part of broader turmoil rather than targeting Hindus alone. Dhaka accuses India of opportunism over its critiques of minority-targeted violence, pointing out similar incidents within India.
Amid these deepening divisions, tensions are influencing politics in key Indian states like West Bengal and Assam, highlighting the cross-border implications of this ongoing conflict.
