Anti-India slogans have once again reverberated in Dhaka as protests have resurfaced in Bangladesh, primarily targeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Demonstrators are voicing their discontent over escalating prices, ongoing power shortages, and a lack of fuel and gas supplies. On Friday, Nahid Islam, the convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), organised a large protest rally in front of the National Museum in Dhaka, calling for the resignation of the Home and Energy ministers.

The rally attracted a significant crowd, with participants reportedly chanting slogans such as “Dilli na Dhaka” and responding with “Dhaka, Dhaka.” Nahid Islam has a history of promoting anti-India sentiments during public gatherings, similar to the rhetoric observed in the lead-up to the Bangladesh elections earlier this year.

Among the attendees was NCP MP Hasnat Abdullah, known for his controversial remarks regarding India. Last year, he made statements threatening to “cut off” India’s Seven Sisters, which drew criticism from Indian officials. The rally’s atmosphere was charged with anti-India sentiment, reflecting a broader trend in recent political discourse.

Allegations and Claims Made During the Rally

During his speech, Nahid Islam raised familiar accusations of India allegedly conspiring against Bangladesh. He claimed that the current government is incapable of safeguarding the nation from these supposed threats. According to a report from Prothom Alo, Nahid also referenced alleged killings along the Bangladesh-India border and asserted that Muslims are facing persecution in Assam and West Bengal.

Additionally, he made unsubstantiated claims about plans to demolish mosques in Delhi. However, Nahid did not provide any evidence to support these allegations. His rhetoric appears to be aimed at galvanising public sentiment against India while addressing local grievances.

Furthermore, Nahid Islam issued a warning regarding the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire in December this year. He emphasised that if the treaty is not renegotiated to ensure a fair share for Bangladesh, the populace would once again take to the streets. The treaty is crucial as it governs the sharing of Ganga waters at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal during the lean season, a matter of significant importance for Bangladesh’s water resources.

Context of Rising Anti-India Sentiment

The resurgence of anti-India slogans occurs against the backdrop of increasing anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh, particularly following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, the atmosphere became more charged, with various political and student leaders making provocative statements directed at India.

Prior to the Bangladesh elections, Nahid Islam had called for nationwide protests against what he termed “Indian interference.” Hasnat Abdullah further escalated tensions by threatening to isolate India’s northeastern states and provide refuge to “anti-India elements.” His remarks included references to the sensitive Siliguri Corridor, which connects India’s Northeast to the mainland.

In December last year, Hasnat suggested that if Bangladesh were destabilised, the consequences would extend beyond its borders, hinting at support for separatist movements in India’s northeastern states. Such incendiary comments were not limited to political figures; retired brigadier general Abdullahil Amaan Azmi went as far as to claim that Bangladesh could not achieve lasting peace without dismantling India.

Although anti-India rhetoric had subsided following the establishment of the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government in February, the recent protests over domestic issues have reignited these sentiments. The current unrest highlights the complex interplay between local grievances and broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

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