India has expressed serious concern over escalating violence in Bangladesh, including the lynching of a Hindu man and threats by radical groups against Indian diplomatic missions. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed the deterioration in India–Bangladesh relations entirely on the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, accusing it of making hostile remarks toward India and failing to protect religious minorities.

Hasina said the Yunus administration has allowed extremists to shape foreign policy, released convicted terrorists, and given protection to those attacking minorities, media outlets, and diplomatic missions. She argued that India’s security concerns are valid, adding that a responsible government would safeguard embassies rather than grant impunity to violent groups.

Her comments came amid rising diplomatic tensions, after India summoned Bangladesh’s envoy over security threats to its missions, while Dhaka accused India of allowing Bangladeshi political figures, including Hasina, to influence upcoming elections from Indian soil. New Delhi rejected these claims and reaffirmed its support for a stable and democratic Bangladesh.

Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster following mass protests, defended India as Bangladesh’s long-standing ally and said bilateral ties would endure beyond any interim regime. She expressed confidence that once democratic governance is restored, Bangladesh would return to the cooperative relationship built during her 15-year tenure.

Tensions further increased following the killing of political leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which sparked nationwide protests and demonstrations outside Indian missions. Hasina described the incident as evidence of growing lawlessness under Yunus, warning that continued violence, minority persecution, and internal instability are damaging Bangladesh’s credibility and alarming its neighbours, including India.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.