India, Bangladesh Engage in Diplomatic Spat Over Hadi Killing and Vandalism

Image Source: Internet

India and Bangladesh have exchanged diplomatic barbs, with both countries summoning each other's envoys to protest recent incidents. The tensions began after the killing of Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which sparked anti-India protests in Bangladesh. India has called for a thorough investigation into Hadi's death, while Bangladesh has expressed concern over violent protests outside its diplomatic missions in India. Security personnel in New Delhi prevented protesters from marching towards the Bangladeshi mission on Tuesday, while a large police contingent was posted near the mission to maintain order. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal had announced plans to protest over the lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. However, the protesters were stopped with barricades and taken away from the spot. India has dismissed reports of a security breach at the Bangladeshi mission in New Delhi as 'misleading propaganda,' while Bangladesh's foreign ministry has contested India's description of the incident outside its mission. Protests were organized near India's missions in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi last week after some of Bangladesh's student leaders and politicians claimed Hadi's killers had sneaked into India. Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its missions in New Delhi and Agartala, as well as the visa centre in Siliguri, while India has suspended visa services only at the mission in Chittagong. The two countries have repeatedly clashed on a number of issues since the collapse of former premier Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Bangladesh's de facto education minister CR Abrar has visited the family of the lynched Hindu man and assured them of justice through due process. The interim government has arrested 12 people in connection with the lynching and directed that the case be pursued fully and without exception.