Bangladesh is once again witnessing a dangerous phase of instability. Since July 2024, the country has been gripped by recurring violence, mob attacks and political chaos. Any small incident now appears capable of triggering large-scale unrest. What is deeply worrying, especially for New Delhi, is that anti-India slogans are increasingly being raised on Bangladeshi streets. This hostility towards India is not accidental; it is the result of political vacuum, misinformation, historical resentment and deliberate provocation by extremist forces.
At the centre of this unfolding crisis lies a difficult question: why was Sheikh Hasina removed, and what has Bangladesh gained since her exit? If the aftermath of her removal is a system even more unstable and intolerant, then the very purpose of the movement that led to her downfall must be questioned.
Bangladesh After July 2024: A Nation on the Edge
Since July 2024, Bangladesh has entered a phase where law and order appear fragile. Protests that once began with specific demands are now turning into uncontrollable mob violence. Police stations have been attacked, public property damaged and minorities increasingly feel unsafe. This breakdown of institutional control has created fertile ground for radical narratives to flourish.
The interim leadership, associated with Muhammad Yunus, was expected to stabilise the country, rebuild trust and guide Bangladesh towards democratic normalcy. Instead, the situation has only worsened. Yunus’s failure to assert authority or present a clear political roadmap has allowed chaos to dominate the streets.
Why Are Anti-India Slogans Being Raised?
The rise of anti-India slogans in Bangladesh cannot be explained by a single factor. It is a complex mix of political resentment, propaganda and regional power games.
Firstly, many protesters associate India with Sheikh Hasina’s long rule. Hasina maintained close diplomatic, economic and security ties with India. While this partnership benefited Bangladesh’s infrastructure, trade and stability, political opponents portrayed it as “Indian interference”. After Hasina’s removal, India became an easy scapegoat for internal failures.
Secondly, extremist groups and vested interests are actively fuelling this resentment. Anti-India sentiment serves as a powerful emotional tool to mobilise crowds, divert attention from governance failures and legitimise violence. These slogans are less about genuine grievances and more about manufactured outrage.
Hasina’s Removal: A Victory or a Strategic Mistake?
Sheikh Hasina was not without flaws. Her government faced allegations of authoritarianism, suppression of dissent and electoral manipulation. Many Bangladeshis wanted reform, accountability and stronger democratic institutions.
However, the critical issue is this: what replaced her rule? The removal of a strong but flawed leader must result in a better system, not anarchy. Today, Bangladesh appears to be drifting without direction. Institutions are weakened, governance is paralysed and radical elements sense opportunity.
If the outcome of removing Hasina is a leadership vacuum and the rise of intolerant forces, then the movement risks losing its moral legitimacy.
The Failure of Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus enjoys international recognition as a Nobel laureate and social entrepreneur. Yet, moral authority alone is not enough to govern a nation in crisis. Leadership during unrest requires decisiveness, political clarity and the ability to control the street.
Yunus has failed on multiple fronts:
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He has not effectively curbed mob violence
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He has not reassured minorities and secular voices
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He has not countered extremist narratives
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He has not articulated a clear vision for Bangladesh’s future
This failure has emboldened radical groups and weakened public confidence. Silence and indecision, in times like these, become dangerous.
The Growing Threat of Jamaat-e-Islami and Religious Extremism
One of the most alarming developments is the growing influence of religious political forces such as Jamaat-e-Islami. Historically, Bangladesh rejected theocratic politics in favour of secular nationalism. The country was born out of a struggle against religious extremism in 1971.
Today, however, extremist groups are exploiting chaos to reclaim space. They are positioning themselves as alternatives to “failed secular leadership” and using religion as a political weapon. If such forces capture power, the common people of Bangladesh will lose their voice.
Women, minorities, journalists and dissenters will pay the highest price. Economic progress, social harmony and global credibility will suffer irreparable damage.
Why Bangladesh Must Think About Its Own Future, Not India
Blaming India may offer temporary emotional satisfaction, but it does nothing to solve Bangladesh’s internal challenges. India is not responsible for Bangladesh’s governance failures, political infighting or extremist resurgence.
Bangladesh must ask itself hard questions:
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What kind of nation does it want to be?
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Does it want inclusive growth or ideological rigidity?
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Does it want global respect or international isolation?
History shows that nations consumed by religious extremism and violence rarely prosper. Bangladesh’s remarkable economic and social progress over the past two decades is now at risk.
A Dangerous Departure from Bangladesh’s Chosen Path
For years, Bangladesh was seen as a model of balanced development in South Asia. Despite challenges, it chose a path of secular governance, women’s empowerment and economic pragmatism. Today, it is straying dangerously from that path.
Mob violence has replaced dialogue. Religious identity is overshadowing national unity. Institutions are weakening instead of strengthening. This trajectory, if unchecked, could undo decades of hard-won progress.
Hope Lies in Reflection and Courage
Despite the grim situation, hope is not lost. Bangladesh’s people have repeatedly shown resilience and courage. Civil society, students, intellectuals and moderate religious voices still exist. What is needed now is open thinking, rejection of violence and resistance to extremist manipulation.
Religion and politics must not be allowed to merge into a force of intolerance. Violence cannot be justified as revolution. And leadership must be held accountable, regardless of reputation or past achievements.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Bangladesh
Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads. The rise of violence and anti-India slogans is not a sign of strength, but of confusion and manipulation. Removing Sheikh Hasina was meant to open the door to reform, not chaos. The failure of leadership under Muhammad Yunus has only deepened the crisis.
If extremist forces like Jamaat-e-Islami seize this moment, Bangladesh risks losing its secular soul. The future depends on whether the people choose reason over rage, democracy over dogma, and progress over polarisation.
The world, and especially India, watches with concern. But ultimately, Bangladesh’s destiny lies in the hands of its own people.
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