On December 8, 2024, thousands of supporters from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marched towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to protest against recent attacks on a diplomatic mission in India and alleged desecration of Bangladeshi flags. This demonstration occurred just a day before Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's scheduled visit to Dhaka, highlighting the rising tensions between the two nations [3b7684d1].
The BNP, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, accused India of instigating communal riots since the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Police responded to the protests by erecting barbed wire to prevent the marchers from reaching the embassy, allowing only six party leaders to submit a letter of protest. This incident follows a series of violent events, including attacks on the Assistant High Commission's office in Agartala and the arrest of a Bangladeshi Hindu leader, further escalating diplomatic tensions [3b7684d1].
The political landscape in Bangladesh has become increasingly volatile since Hasina's resignation amid student protests over the reservation quota for the offspring of the 1971 War of Liberation. The interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has faced immediate challenges, including calls for security assistance from India and the blocking of 63 Iskcon monks from traveling to India [9d8b155f].
In the context of these protests, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner to express its concerns, reflecting the deteriorating diplomatic relations [3b7684d1]. As the BNP gains political ground amid rising unrest and economic instability, experts warn that the growing religious divides could threaten regional stability [c7ef33e6].
China's dissatisfaction with the previous regime has been evident, as it has refrained from offering loans to stabilize Bangladesh's economy. The Chinese media has characterized the situation in Bangladesh with terms like 'coup' and 'dictatorship', reflecting a critical stance towards the interim government [9d8b155f].
India's economic ties with Bangladesh have also been affected, with a significant decline in exports recently, which may further strain the relationship. The future of Bangladesh's diplomatic relations with both India and China remains uncertain, with potential implications for the region's political and economic landscape [9f35025e].