Anti-India Slogans Echo in Dhaka as Protests Over Inflation, Power Crisis Target Tarique Rahman

Anti-India slogans have resurfaced in Dhaka as Bangladesh faces rising prices, fuel shortages and prolonged power cuts, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government and adding a diplomatic dimension to public discontent.

Thousands gathered in the capital for a protest organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP), where convenor Nahid Islam demanded the resignation of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku over their handling of the crisis.

Videos circulating on social media showed NCP leaders chanting "Dilli na Dhaka", with the crowd responding, "Dhaka, Dhaka". The rally was also attended by NCP MP Hasnat Abdullah, who previously threatened to isolate India's northeastern states.

Addressing demonstrators outside the National Museum, Nahid accused India of conspiring against Bangladesh and alleged that the government was failing to protect national interests. He raised claims of killings along the India-Bangladesh border, persecution of Muslims in Assam and West Bengal, and plans to demolish mosques in Delhi, without providing evidence.

He also highlighted the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which expires in December 2026. The 30-year agreement governs the sharing of Ganga waters at the Farakka Barrage during the lean season. Warning of street protests if a new deal fails to secure Bangladesh's rightful share, Nahid underscored the issue's importance for a country where nearly a third of the population depends on the river system for livelihoods.

Anti-India rhetoric has remained part of Bangladesh's political discourse since Sheikh Hasina's removal in August 2024. During the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, political and student leaders made provocative statements against New Delhi as Dhaka moved closer to Islamabad.

Hasnat previously threatened to support separatist elements in India's Northeast and referred to the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, which connects the region with the rest of India. Although such rhetoric became less frequent after the BNP returned to power in February, Friday's rally suggests it has not disappeared.

Bangladesh's Inflation remained around 8.5 per cent in 2026, according to the World Bank. The bank also reported rising poverty, with approximately 2.1 million more people falling into poverty than the previous year.

Nahid threatened to surround Rahman's residence if the two ministers refused to resign. He also accused the prime minister of becoming an autocrat, drawing parallels with the previous regime.