Anti-India Protests, ‘Seven Sisters’ Threat: Decoding Bangladesh Turmoil | Top Points

Last Updated:December 18, 2025, 18:19 IST

Anti-India protests erupted in Bangladesh as demonstrators marched toward Indian missions. India shut two visa centres and summoned Dhaka’s envoy amid threats and rising tensions.

Bangladeshi police try to stop demonstrators as they march towards the assistant Indian high commissioner's office in Rajshahi on December 18. (AFP)

Rising political unrest and worsening diplomatic tensions have triggered fresh anti-India protests in Bangladesh, with demonstrators marching toward Indian diplomatic missions and Dhaka issuing repeated demands for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The developments come weeks before national elections and amid an increasingly volatile atmosphere under the interim government.

Protesters March Toward Indian Mission in Rajshahi

Dozens of protesters attempted to march to the office of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Rajshahi on Thursday, demanding the “repatriation of all the killers including Sheikh Hasina." Police stalled the march, saying they had heard the demonstrators’ concerns and would forward their demands to the authorities. Officials said they were unaware of further planned demonstrations but hoped the situation would remain peaceful.

Also Read: India Shuts Down Two Visa Application Centres In Bangladesh Over ‘Security Situation’

A similar protest took place a day earlier in Dhaka, where a group of demonstrators attempted to march toward the Indian High Commission. The protests mark a sharp escalation in anti-India sentiment as relations between the two countries continue to fray.

India Summons Bangladesh Envoy Over Threats

India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah in New Delhi to convey its concerns about threats issued by extremist groups and the deteriorating security environment around the Indian mission in Dhaka. New Delhi reminded Dhaka of its diplomatic obligations and said the safety of Indian missions must be ensured at all times.

Also Read: ‘Will Kick Him Out’: Why India’s High Commission In Dhaka Is Under Growing Threat

Ties Frosty Since Hasina Fled To India

Relations have been strained since Sheikh Hasina fled to India following last year’s student-led uprising. Bangladesh has repeatedly requested her extradition to stand trial for alleged crimes, while India has said it is examining the request. Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death in absentia last month for crimes against humanity. The country heads to polls on February 12 without her Awami League, which has been banned from contesting.

NCP Leader’s ‘Seven Sisters’ Threat

Tensions escalated further after Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party (NCP), warned that Dhaka would “give refuge to separatists of the Seven Sisters" if India attempted to destabilise Bangladesh. He claimed Bangladesh could “isolate" India’s Northeastern states, which depend on the narrow Siliguri Corridor. Abdullah, 27, rose to prominence during the 2024 protests and is known for his confrontational rhetoric.

Also Read: ‘Relations Are Stressed…’: Bangladesh Points To ‘Tensions’ In Ties After India Summons Envoy

India has dismissed these remarks, saying it “completely rejects the false narrative" being pushed by extremist elements. The MEA reiterated that India supports peace and stability in Bangladesh and expects the interim government to ensure the security of Indian missions.

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