Hasina’s stay in India has already become a major irritant in bilateral ties and the escalating protests in both countries are likely to deteriorate the atmosphere. Experts point out that India and Bangladesh are neighbours who need each other and it’s time for the rhetoric to be toned down.

Agartala, India - December 02, 2024 A mob breached the security barricade at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, vandalizing property and removing the national flag during protest against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Das in Bangladesh.

The latest trigger was the arrest of a Hindu monk last week, which set off protests in India by activists from Hindu organisations and politicians including members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).