Table Of Contents

Introduction

If you have been keeping up with the news, Bangladesh has been going through a tough phase lately.

The unrest that kicked off in December 2025, triggered by the tragic shooting and death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 18, has led to widespread protests, violence, and heightened tensions.

Attacks on media offices, cultural centers, and even reports of targeted incidents against minorities have raised alarms both in Bangladesh and here in India.

From THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we see this not just as a neighbor’s internal challenge but something that impacts regional stability.

India and Bangladesh share a deep history, a long border, and strong people-to-people connections.

So, does India have a role in the ongoing situation? Yes, but it is about responsible diplomacy, urging calm, and protecting shared interests without meddling in internal affairs.

What Led To The Current Unrest

The roots go back to the 2024 student-led uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina‘s long tenure, with her fleeing to India in August 2024.

An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge, promising reforms and fair elections.

Things escalated in December 2025 when Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent anti-India voice and leader from the 2024 movement, was shot on December 12 and passed away in Singapore.

Protests demanding justice turned chaotic: mobs torched offices of major newspapers like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, attacked cultural organizations seen as pro-India, and targeted Awami League-linked sites.

Tragically, amid the chaos, a 25-year-old Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched in Mymensingh over unsubstantiated blasphemy claims, his body even set on fire.

This incident, along with others, sparked outrage over minority safety.

Protests also neared Indian diplomatic missions, prompting India to close some visa centers for security reasons temporarily.

Elections are now set for February 12, 2026, offering hope for stability, but the pre-poll violence has complicated things.

India’s Approach: Restraint, Diplomacy, And Concern

India has stayed firm on non-interference while voicing legitimate worries:

Diplomatic Exchanges: Both countries have summoned each other’s envoys multiple times. India raised concerns over threats to its missions and rejected narratives blaming it for the instability. Bangladesh protested demonstrations near its missions in India.
Minority Safety: India has consistently called for the protection of all citizens, especially minorities facing attacks. Peaceful protests in India highlighted these issues, reflecting genuine concern from communities with cross-border ties.
Extradition Matter: Bangladesh has requested Sheikh Hasina’s return after her in-absentia conviction. India is carefully examining this under legal and treaty obligations, balancing humanitarian and bilateral factors.
Economic Signals: Despite tensions, practical steps continue—like Bangladesh approving rice imports from India, seen as a move to keep trade separate from politics.

Recently, Bangladesh’s finance adviser noted that Chief Adviser Yunus is personally working to improve ties, emphasizing economic cooperation over rhetoric.

This is a positive sign that relations can stabilize.

India’s stance is clear: Support a democratic, inclusive Bangladesh where everyone’s safe and prosperous. We have urged thorough probes into violence and rejected extremist actions on both sides.

Trivia

The India-Bangladesh border spans over 4,000 km, the world’s fifth-longest international boundary, and is home to unique enclaves exchanged in 2015, symbolizing how intertwined our histories and futures are!

Why This Matters For Both Nations

Stability in Bangladesh directly affects India through trade, security, and migration.

We are major partners in energy, connectivity, and commerce.

Rising radical voices or unrest could spill over, harming everyone.

At the same time, India respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and looks forward to engaging with a democratically elected government post-February 2026 polls.