Why are anti-India protests erupting in Bangladesh and what does the ‘Seven Sisters’ threat signal?

Fresh anti-India protests have erupted across Bangladesh, with demonstrators attempting to march towards Indian diplomatic missions and political leaders issuing provocative statements targeting India’s sensitive northeastern region. The unrest comes amid a deteriorating political situation under Bangladesh’s interim government, rising street mobilisation, and escalating diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka.

The protests, coupled with threats referencing India’s “Seven Sisters” the northeastern states connected to the mainland by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, have raised alarm in New Delhi, prompting diplomatic protests and heightened security measures around Indian missions in Bangladesh.

On Thursday (Dec 18), dozens of protesters attempted to march towards the office of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Rajshahi, a key city in northwestern Bangladesh. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the demonstrators demanded the “repatriation of all the killers including Sheikh Hasina,” referring to the former Bangladeshi prime minister currently staying in India.

Bangladeshi police moved quickly to block the march, erecting barricades and deploying personnel in riot gear near the Indian mission. Officials said the protesters were stopped before reaching the premises and were informed that their demands would be conveyed to higher authorities.

A brief confrontation occurred when some demonstrators attempted to push past the barricades, but the situation was later brought under control. Local officials said they were not aware of further planned demonstrations in Rajshahi but expressed hope that the situation would remain calm.

A similar protest unfolded a day earlier in Dhaka, where demonstrators attempted to march towards the Indian High Commission.

Following the incident, Indian authorities temporarily shut down visa services at two Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in Bangladesh, citing security concerns.

In response to the protests and reported threats by extremist groups, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, to formally convey New Delhi’s concerns.

India reminded Dhaka of its obligations under international diplomatic conventions to ensure the safety and security of foreign missions and personnel. Officials stressed that threats to Indian diplomatic premises were unacceptable and called on the interim Bangladeshi government to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation.

India-Bangladesh relations have remained tense since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following a massive student-led uprising last year that culminated in the collapse of her Awami League government. Hasina later resigned and has since been residing in India at a secure, undisclosed location.

Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition to face trial for alleged crimes linked to the violent crackdown on protesters. Last month, a Bangladeshi court sentenced the 78-year-old leader to death in absentia for crimes against humanity.

India has maintained that Hasina’s extradition request is under examination, a stance that has drawn criticism from sections of Bangladeshi political opinion and fuelled street protests.

The political vacuum has been further compounded by the banning of Hasina’s Awami League from contesting the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12, leaving Bangladesh without one of its largest political forces at a critical juncture.

Tensions escalated further after Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), issued a controversial statement warning that Dhaka could “give refuge to separatists of the Seven Sisters” if India attempted to destabilise Bangladesh.

Abdullah claimed that Bangladesh could “isolate” India’s northeastern states by exploiting their dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as India’s “Chicken’s Neck.” The remarks were widely seen as provocative, touching upon one of India’s most sensitive strategic vulnerabilities.

Only 27, Abdullah rose to prominence during the 2024 protests and is known for his aggressive and confrontational rhetoric. His comments triggered strong reactions in Indian strategic and diplomatic circles, which viewed the statement as irresponsible and inflammatory.

India has categorically rejected what it described as a “false narrative” being pushed by extremist and radical elements in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that India supports peace, stability, and democratic processes in Bangladesh and has no intention of interfering in its internal affairs.

New Delhi has also made it clear that any threats to India’s territorial integrity or attempts to link Bangladesh with separatist movements in the Northeast are unacceptable.

With Bangladesh heading into elections under an interim administration and political rhetoric becoming increasingly strident, notably, bilateral relations could face further turbulence in the coming months.

Credit : Organiser Weekly