Diplomatic face-off after Kolkata erupts as Bangladesh unrest puts Yunus government under siege

Bangladesh’s political and security crisis has spilt beyond its borders, dragging India into a sharp diplomatic confrontation and triggering street protests in Kolkata, West Bengal. What began as internal unrest has now escalated into a regional flashpoint, fuelled by mob violence, attacks on minorities and a breakdown of law and order.

Dhaka has suspended visa services at several Indian missions, citing security concerns. At the same time, New Delhi has summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to lodge strong objections over attacks on minorities and threats to diplomatic premises. The unrest has also galvanised protests in West Bengal, where anger over recent violence in Bangladesh has found an outlet on the streets of Kolkata.

At the centre of the crisis lies a chilling sequence of events: the lynching and burning of a Hindu man over unproven anti-Islamic blasphemy allegations, the killing of a Muslim radical youth leader who emerged from last year’s uprising and a widening cycle of protests that have turned increasingly violent.

Mob lynching, minority's insecurity deepen unrest

The killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Mymensingh, has become the defining symbol of the current turmoil. A mob beat him, dragged him out, tied him up and set him on fire after vague allegations of blasphemy surfaced. Investigators now say there is no evidence that Das made any blasphemous remarks or social media posts.

Police officials believe the violence unfolded over several hours and was not spontaneous. At least 12 people have been arrested so far, including factory supervisors and co-workers. Investigators say Das was forced to resign and expelled from his workplace instead of being handed over to police, a delay that proved fatal.

The incident has intensified fear among religious minorities. Hindu groups and rights organisations have staged protests in Dhaka and other cities, accusing the interim government of failing to protect vulnerable communities. Since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, minorities say they feel increasingly exposed to Islamist mob violence.

Protests turn political, Yunus under pressure

The unrest widened further after the killing of Osman Hadi, a radical youth leader who rose to prominence during last year’s July uprising. Shot in Dhaka and later dying after being airlifted to Singapore, Hadi has become a rallying point for radical mobilisation across the country.

The protest platform Inquilab Mancho, led by Hadi’s associates, has issued an ultimatum to the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus. It has threatened a mass movement to topple the administration unless justice is delivered, demanding speedy trial tribunals and even foreign investigative assistance.

Violence has increasingly targeted the media as well. Mobs vandalised and torched the offices of leading newspapers, trapping journalists inside for hours. Editors have described the attacks as deliberate attempts to silence independent reporting rather than spontaneous protests.

Diplomatic fallout, Kolkata streets ignite

The unrest has now spilt into India. Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and missions in Tripura and Siliguri, citing security concerns after protests near diplomatic premises. India responded by summoning Bangladesh’s envoy and conveying strong objections over attacks on minorities and threats to its missions.

In Kolkata, large demonstrations erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission, driven by outrage over the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das and fears of growing Islamist violence across the border. Protest leaders warned of further agitation, including possible border blockades, reflecting the depth of public anger.

Bangladesh’s interim government insists it can restore order. Yunus has reiterated his commitment to holding general elections on February 12. Critics, however, question whether free and peaceful polls are feasible amid assassinations, mob violence and escalating political threats.

What began as an internal crisis has now become a regional concern, with minority safety, press freedom and diplomatic stability all hanging in the balance.