Bangladesh, which recently witnessed turmoil following the demise of young radical leader Sharif Osman Bin Hadi amid strong anti-India rhetoric, is now gradually returning to normalcy as the South Asian nation prepares for its next general election scheduled for 12 February 2026. The much-anticipated polls, however, will be held without the participation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, which had ruled the Muslim-majority country of 170 million people for several years. Hasina was ousted in the wake of a student-led mass uprising during July–August 2024.
The deposed premier, along with thousands of her party members, continues to stay in neighbouring India, even after being sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi court for crimes against humanity linked to last year’s rebellion, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including minors. Ignoring repeated official communiqués from the current interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka, India has remained non-committal about her repatriation. This has strained diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, with Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with the billion-plus nation deteriorating further in recent months.
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Many anti-Hasina campaigners have alleged that Hadi’s killers entered Indian territory soon after the shooting attack in Dhaka on 12 December. The Inqilab Mancha leader was later flown to Singapore for advanced medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries on the evening of 18 December. The prime accused, Faisal Karim Masud—reportedly associated with the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League—remains untraceable. A large section of Bangladeshi nationals, though without substantiated evidence, believe that he has been receiving support and hospitality from New Delhi. Consequently, public fury turned against India, and motivated elements escalated attacks targeting Hindu families across different parts of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the horrific mob killing of Deepu Chandra Das (27), a garment worker from Bhaluka in the Mymensingh district, on 18 December over alleged—yet unverified—derogatory remarks about Islam, and the murder of Uttam Kumar Barman (45), a grocery shop owner from Rangpur on 13 December on similar blasphemy allegations, triggered massive protests in India. Demonstrators expressed outrage outside Bangladeshi diplomatic missions, demanding justice for the victims and security for non-Muslims in Bangladesh.
The interim government strongly condemned the killing of the Mymensingh worker, calling it a heinous criminal act with no justification. Recently, Education Adviser Prof C.R. Abrar visited Deepu’s family to convey the government’s sympathy and assurance of support during this difficult period. He reaffirmed the authorities’ unwavering commitment to the rule of law and informed that over ten people had been arrested in connection with the crime.
In a recent report, the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) observed that Hasina’s presence in India has been a major factor contributing to simmering tensions between the two neighbouring countries. The report noted that soon after assuming office, the interim government sought Hasina’s extradition under a 2013 treaty, but Indian officials were unlikely to agree. It suggested that New Delhi may have been reluctant to appear “an unreliable ally to other governments in the region,” thus continuing its support for Hasina.
Dr Yunus personally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevent the disgraced former premier from making political statements while in India, warning that her interventions in Bangladeshi politics were being perceived as unfriendly acts. These remarks were reportedly not well received by New Delhi. Bangladesh has also expressed grievances over India allowing thousands of Awami League activists to continue political activities from Kolkata and New Delhi, according to the conflict prevention organisation.
Recently, Hasina issued a sharp statement on the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh, describing the Yunus-led interim government as a failed entity. She termed the tragic killings as evidence of lawlessness that has become routine, claiming the interim authorities either deny the situation or remain powerless to address it. Alleging that the current administration has elevated “extremists” to top positions, released convicted terrorists from prison, and allowed international terrorists to operate in public life, Hasina also blamed the interim government for the deterioration of relations with India.
Hasina rejected calls to return to Bangladesh, stating she would not do so “to face political assassination” until a legitimate government is installed in Dhaka that upholds an independent judiciary. She also expressed gratitude to New Delhi for its continued hospitality since her departure from Dhaka last year. India’s position on hosting Hasina has been justified as being guided by its civilisational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing grave distress or existential threats. Earlier, New Delhi had also issued a strong statement demanding justice for Deepu, expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh, particularly affecting religious minorities.
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However, a critical question arises: why should Hasina not tender an apology to the Sanatani Hindu community? During her long tenure as Prime Minister, she too failed to protect Hindus and other minority communities, as well as their religious institutions—despite consistently projecting herself as their protector.
Initially, Hasina was reported to be preparing to move to a third country, but to date, no nation has offered her asylum. Nor has she acknowledged India’s role in rescuing her from a possible violent death at Ganabhawan on 5 August 2024. She remains compelled to stay in a Hindu-majority country for over a year, as no nation across the world has stepped forward to support her in her time of distress. Should it not, therefore, be her foremost priority to seek forgiveness from the Hindus of Bharat?
The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ukhrul Times. Ukhrul Times values and encourages diverse perspectives. The writer is an eastern Bharat-based journalist and can be contacted at +91 98640 44917.