In brief
The ties between India and Bangladesh have reached a critical juncture following the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a member of Bangladesh's Hindu minority, during violent protests related to the murder of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. This incident has ignited protests in India and raised concerns over the escalating anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, as diplomatic missions face increased security issues and both countries accuse each other of contributing to the instability.
The killing of a Hindu man during recent violent protests in Bangladesh has pushed already strained ties between Dhaka and Delhi into a deeper crisis.
As the two neighbours accuse each other of destabilising relations, questions are growing over whether their once close, time-tested relationship is fraying beyond repair.
In India, the episode has sparked protests by Hindu nationalist groups. The man who was killed - Dipu Chandra Das, 27 - a member of Bangladesh's Hindu minority, was accused of blasphemy and beaten to death by a mob last week in Mymensingh, in northern Bangladesh.
The incident happened as violent protests broke out over the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent student leader, in the capital, Dhaka.
Hadi's supporters alleged that the main suspect, who they say is linked to the Awami League - the party of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina - had fled to India, further fueling anti-India sentiment in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. Bangladeshi police, however, said there was no confirmation that the suspect had left the country.
In recent days, the South Asian neighbours have suspended visa services in several cities, including Delhi, and accused each other of failing to ensure adequate security for their diplomatic missions.
The two countries have also summoned each other's high commissioners to raise their security concerns.
Riva Ganguly Das, a former Indian high commissioner to Dhaka, expressed the hope that tensions would not escalate further, emphasizing the volatile situation and its unpredictable outcomes.
Anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh has been a recurring issue, particularly under the influence of Islamist groups. The recent violence has highlighted the fragility of the situation, as hardline elements are increasingly active.
As diplomatic relations worsen, the upcoming Bangladesh elections scheduled for February 12 may further complicate matters. Experts suggest that resolving tensions is crucial for the stability of both countries, especially given their interconnected histories and economies.
