The brutal killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a young Hindu man in northern Bangladesh, has sharply escalated tensions between Dhaka and Delhi at a time when relations were already under strain. Accused of blasphemy, Das was beaten to death by a mob, an incident that shocked public opinion and triggered protests in India by Hindu nationalist groups. The killing coincided with violent unrest in Bangladesh following the murder of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, with allegations that a key suspect had fled to India. These claims, denied by Bangladeshi police, further fuelled anti India sentiment and deepened mistrust between the two neighbours.
The fallout has quickly moved to the diplomatic arena. Both countries have suspended visa services in several cities, summoned each other’s envoys, and accused one another of failing to protect diplomatic missions. In Bangladesh, anger has grown since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India, while rising mob violence has raised serious concerns about minority safety and the influence of hardline religious groups. Analysts warn that unless political stability returns through elections and restraint is shown on both sides, public anger and street politics could further damage a relationship critical for regional security.
