India-Bangladesh relations have entered a tense phase following a series of violent incidents, diplomatic confrontations and protests in both countries, raising concerns over security and regional stability.
Ties began to deteriorate after former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, was sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court in connection with violence during the 2024 student-led uprising. Dhaka sought her extradition, while India reiterated its commitment to peace, democracy and stability in Bangladesh.
The situation escalated further with the shooting of prominent student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka on December 12. Hadi, a key figure in last year&rsquo;s pro-democracy movement, later succumbed to his injuries during treatment in Singapore. His death triggered fresh unrest across Bangladesh, with protests turning violent and media offices being vandalised and set ablaze.
Amid the unrest, a controversial statement by a student leader suggesting that Bangladesh could shelter separatist elements targeting India&rsquo;s northeastern states further strained relations. India responded by summoning Bangladesh&rsquo;s high commissioner to convey concerns over the security environment and potential threats to its diplomatic mission in Dhaka.
Tensions deepened after a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob during protests along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. While the incident was initially linked to alleged religious provocation, later accounts indicated it stemmed from a workplace dispute. The killing sparked outrage in India and protests outside Bangladeshi missions.
In response to mounting demonstrations, police in Dhaka stopped protest marches towards the Indian High Commission, while protests outside Bangladeshi missions in New Delhi, Siliguri and Tripura led to the suspension of visa services in several locations. India also shut down its visa application centre in Chattogram citing security concerns.
Both countries have since summoned each other&rsquo;s envoys over the safety of diplomatic premises, with India expressing serious concern over violence against minorities and Bangladesh raising objections to protests near its missions.
With diplomatic engagements strained and public anger visible on both sides, officials say further developments are expected as both governments assess the evolving situation and its implications for bilateral relations.

India-Bangladesh Ties Strained by Violence

Exile of Sheikh Hasina, killing of a student leader and lynching of a Hindu man

India-Bangladesh Ties Strained by Violence

Exile of Sheikh Hasina, killing of a student leader and lynching of a Hindu man

December 23, 2025 | 18:24 IST