Bangladesh Protests Intensify Near Indian Missions Amid Fears of Escalation

Protests in Bangladesh have taken a violent turn near Indian missions, with security forces pushing back a mob in Chittagong on Friday. The demonstrations, sparked by the death of radical student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, have been ongoing for days in cities including Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi. According to sources, the situation remains tense outside Indian missions, with diplomats and officials safe. However, police and security forces have faced criticism for failing to act promptly against protesters, who have vandalized premises and lobbed bricks. The protests have been fueled by unsubstantiated claims of an Indian link to Hadi's killing, with student groups seeking to link the Awami League party to the incident. Bangladesh's interim government has urged people to resist mob violence, condemning acts of intimidation and arson. As the situation continues to unfold, Indian authorities are bracing for sustained protests after Friday prayers, with fears of escalation mounting. The interim government has announced a day of state mourning on Saturday, but tensions are unlikely to ease anytime soon. Separately, a Hindu man was lynched in Mymensingh on Thursday night, with the interim government condemning the heinous crime. The perpetrators will not be spared, the government stated. Bangladesh is set to hold a general election and constitutional referendum on February 12, with the interim government calling for restraint and rejecting hatred. The situation in Bangladesh remains precarious, with protests showing no signs of abating.