But religious tensions are not new to the region and activists on both sides are worried that if inflammatory speeches and protests continue, the situation could spiral out of control. 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.

Tensions are high between India and Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government and her fleeing to India. Bangladeshis protested an attack on a consulate in India a day earlier, amid a Hindu leader's trial.

Bangladesh has summoned India's High Commissioner, Pranoy Varma, following protests and vandalism at its Agartala mission.

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).

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.