Bangladesh on Tuesday summoned India’s top envoy after fresh protests erupted outside its High Commission in New Delhi over the lynching of a Hindu worker in Dhaka. The victim, accused of blasphemy, was killed on December 18, prompting seven arrests and rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the High Commission waving saffron flags and banners, including one reading: “Stop Killing Hindus in Bangladesh.” Protesters, including members of the right-wing Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), clashed with security personnel and pushed through barricades about 300 meters from the building.
Read more: Bangladesh suspends consular, visa services in Delhi as ties worsen
Earlier, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express “grave concern” over prior protests at visa centres in New Delhi and Siliguri. India dismissed reports of vandalism as “misleading propaganda.”
Tensions between the neighbours have grown since former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled during last year’s pro-democracy uprising. India is reportedly still considering Dhaka’s requests to extradite Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia for her role in the crackdown.
Read more: Bangladesh calls India’s dismissal of protest ‘misleading propaganda’
Recent incidents have further strained relations, including the shooting of India critic Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka and arson attacks on newspapers and cultural institutions deemed pro-India. India has temporarily suspended visa services in Dhaka, while Bangladesh also suspended visa services in Delhi. Russia has urged both countries to mend ties promptly.