Bangladesh: India-Bangladesh relations are going through a rough patch; Dhaka has suspended visa services

India-Bangladesh relations have been going through a rough patch since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh. The recent death of radical leader Usman Hadi has further strained relations between the two countries. The situation has now escalated to the point where Bangladesh has announced the suspension of visa services in India. Earlier, in light of the protests, India had also decided to suspend services at its mission in Chittagong. Let's understand how India and Bangladesh relations are deteriorating and what is the reason behind this entire dispute.

Violence Erupts After the Killing of Anti-India Usman Hadi

Recently, Usman Hadi, an anti-India and anti-Sheikh Hasina government leader, was shot dead in Bangladesh. Violence erupted in Bangladesh after Usman Hadi's death. Radicals allege that Usman Hadi's killers have fled to India and are hiding there. However, the Bangladeshi government itself says that there is no evidence of the suspected perpetrators fleeing to India. India has also completely rejected the allegations. However, the radicals have seized upon Usman Hadi's killing as an opportunity to fuel anti-India sentiment. This has created an atmosphere of anarchy in Bangladesh.

Following Usman Hadi's death, protests also took place outside the Indian mission in Bangladesh. Following this, considering the security of Indian officials, India decided to suspend services at its mission in Chittagong.

Hindu Youth Lynched

After Usman Hadi's death, minority Hindus are being targeted in Bangladesh. Last week, a Hindu youth was lynched in the Mymensingh area on charges of blasphemy, and his body was later set on fire. A video of this incident has also surfaced, which is being condemned worldwide. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. The Indian government has also expressed concern regarding the safety of minorities.

Muhammad Yunus calls the US for help

The extent of the pressure on Muhammad Yunus's government in Bangladesh can be gauged from the fact that he has called the United States for help. Muhammad Yunus spoke on the phone with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, for about half an hour on Monday. During this conversation, Muhammad Yunus assured the US that the general elections would be held on time, on February 12th. The ongoing violence and anarchy in Bangladesh have raised concerns about the general elections scheduled for next year. However, Muhammad Yunus has assured the US that the elections will be held on schedule.

Bangladesh suspends visa services.

India-Bangladesh relations have reached a point where, due to the protests, Bangladesh has announced the suspension of its visa services in India. Earlier, the Indian government had also announced the suspension of its visa services in Chittagong due to the violent protests in Bangladesh. India took this decision due to serious security concerns, but it is believed that Bangladesh has decided to suspend visa services purely out of retaliation, as there are no security problems in India.

The interim government is threatened by extremists.

Following the murder of Usman Hadi, his organization, the Inqilab Morcha, has threatened the Muhammad Yunus government that if Hadi's killers are not brought to justice, they will launch a campaign to oust the interim government from power. The Inqilab Morcha is demanding a speedy trial in Hadi's murder case and an investigation into the involvement of Sheikh Hasina's party.

Nationwide outrage against Bangladesh

There is widespread anger and resentment across the country against the ongoing violence against minorities in Bangladesh and the mob lynching of a Hindu youth. This is why people in several cities across the country, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Surat, and Patna, are protesting against the interim government of Bangladesh and burning effigies of Muhammad Yunus. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission today, leading to tightened security around the embassy.

Bangladesh Summons Indian High Commissioner

The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh on Tuesday. The summons was issued in response to alleged protests outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in New Delhi.

Sheikh Hasina Targets Muhammad Yunus

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed Muhammad Yunus's interim government for the ongoing anarchy and violence. Sheikh Hasina alleged that the Yunus government is promoting extremists and thereby jeopardizing Bangladesh's credibility and regional stability. She claimed that extremists are influencing Bangladesh's foreign policy. She stated that relations between the two countries would improve once a democratically elected government is in place in Bangladesh.

Minorities Protest in Bangladesh

Minorities in Bangladesh have also taken to the streets to protest against the ongoing violence and atmosphere of fear. Minority and social organizations held protests in the capital, Dhaka, stating that the Muhammad Yunus government has failed to provide security to minorities.