Opinion | India Freed Bangladesh from Pakistan: Yet Old Chains Persist

Time and Again, Facing Extreme Political, Social, and Religious Extremism.

Bangladesh was once part of East Pakistan and gained independence during the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. Yet, decades later, the country remains trapped in the chains of old extremism and continues to draw international attention for recurring episodes of radicalism and violence. Today, Bangladesh is not grappling primarily with economic growth or democratic consolidation; instead, it is confronting deepening political instability, rising extremism, and a troubling erosion of law and order. Over the past year, developments under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus have raised serious questions about governance, security, and the country’s future trajectory.

Countries fall due to leadership failures, and countries rise because of strong leadership qualities. The removal of Sheikh Hasina created a political vacuum, which led to a breakdown of law and order in the country and fuelled religious extremism, social constraints, and violence. India was an extensive supporter of Bangladesh during the post-liberation phase, and during this period the country witnessed relatively stable and peaceful development. Historically, whenever Bangladesh drifted away from this path, it has faced instability, radicalization, and an erosion of law and order. This is history.

The recent assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, a student activist who rose to prominence during last year’s protests that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, has become a defining moment in this unfolding crisis. Hadi was shot dead in broad daylight outside a mosque by an unmasked gunman. Days after the murder, the absence of clear answers, no public arrests, no transparent investigation updates, and no accountability, has only intensified public anxiety. For a nation already grappling with unrest, the killing has become a symbol of institutional breakdown rather than an isolated crime.

The unanswered questions are stark. How could a high-profile figure be assassinated in a public place without immediate interception? How did the assailant escape despite the presence of security forces? Why has no official investigation report been released, and why has no one been held responsible for such a massive security failure? The silence from authorities has allowed speculation, conspiracy theories, and misinformation to dominate public discourse, undermining confidence in the state.

Instead of clarity, Bangladesh has witnessed a rapid politicization of the tragedy. Anti-India narratives have surged across social media and informal platforms, with accusations directed at New Delhi without evidence or diplomatic engagement. This shift raises concerns about whether national security decisions are being driven by institutional processes or by online outrage campaigns. Notably, there has been no indication of formal diplomatic outreach to India or transparent cooperation on the investigation, an omission that risks further destabilizing bilateral relations.

Beyond this incident, Bangladesh is facing a broader and more alarming trend: the resurgence of religious extremism and radical political forces. Groups that were previously restrained have become increasingly visible under the interim administration. The re-emergence of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh in public spaces and political conversations has coincided with a rise in communal violence and intimidation, particularly against religious minorities.

Recent months have seen disturbing reports of mob lynching, targeted attacks, and vandalism of homes and places of worship. Hindus, Christians, and other minority communities are facing growing insecurity. In one widely reported case, a young Hindu man, Chandra Das, was lynched and burned following allegations of blasphemy. In another, two Christian girls in Chittagong were reportedly assaulted for not wearing the hijab, an act that highlights the shrinking space for religious diversity and personal freedom.

Such incidents are not isolated. They point to a dangerous normalization of vigilante violence, where accusations of blasphemy or “cultural deviation” are used to justify brutality. The lack of swift legal action against perpetrators sends a chilling message: that violence motivated by identity may go unpunished. This erosion of accountability weakens the social fabric and fuels fear among communities that have long been part of Bangladesh’s pluralistic heritage.

Equally troubling is the release of individuals linked to extremist organizations. Figures such as Mufti Jashimuddin Rahmani, associated with the Al-Qaeda-inspired Ansarullah Bangla Team, have reportedly regained freedom and visibility. Such developments raise serious concerns about the state’s approach to counter-extremism and the safety of both citizens and the wider region.

At the geopolitical level, Bangladesh appears to be drifting closer to Pakistan, a move that carries symbolic and strategic implications. Engagements involving Pakistani officials and intelligence-linked figures have sparked unease, especially given Pakistan’s historical role in Bangladesh’s trauma prior to 1971. Critics warn that this shift risks importing a familiar pattern of instability, where weakened institutions coexist with empowered extremist networks.

This changing posture stands in contrast to Bangladesh’s long-standing relationship with India. India played a decisive role in Bangladesh’s liberation, offering military, diplomatic, and humanitarian support during its darkest hour. Over decades, New Delhi has remained a key trade partner and development ally, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $15 billion. India’s approach toward its neighbours has consistently emphasized assistance, stability, and regional cooperation rather than interference.

Today, however, historical memory appears to be fading amid political expediency and populist narratives. Attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, carry a painful irony given the shared sacrifices of 1971. Allowing such violence to persist not only betrays Bangladesh’s founding ideals but also risks isolating the country at a time when regional cooperation is more critical than ever.

Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads. Restoring law and order, conducting impartial investigations, protecting minorities, and confronting extremism are not optional—they are essential to preserving national integrity. Equally important is responsible diplomacy that prioritizes dialogue over blame and institutions over online rhetoric.

The path forward demands introspection, not hostility; accountability, not silence. Bangladesh’s stability, social harmony, and regional standing depend on the choices made today.

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