16 April, 2025; In yet another example of India being dragged into the internal politics of its neighbors, Bangladesh has now become the latest country where fundamentalist elements are attempting to interfere in India’s domestic matters. Following Pakistan’s repeated efforts to stoke tensions by targeting India through baseless accusations and propaganda, a similar pattern seems to be emerging in Dhaka.
This time, the target is India’s Waqf law.
Despite struggling with its own political, economic, and social issues, certain hardline groups in Bangladesh are planning a massive protest in Dhaka, claiming outrage over India’s Waqf-related legal framework. These groups allege that the law is discriminatory or unfair—ironically, without any genuine understanding or context of its actual provisions.
What raises eyebrows is the timing and scale of this protest. It seems less about genuine concern and more about manufacturing outrage to gain political mileage, especially among conservative sections of Bangladeshi society. The move appears to be part of a broader strategy to internationalize what is essentially a domestic and legal matter of India—one governed by its own constitutional framework and judicial oversight.
India, a secular democracy, has always handled its religious and legal affairs through democratic institutions, dialogue, and the rule of law. External actors attempting to disrupt this delicate balance are neither helpful nor welcome.
It is also worth noting that Bangladesh itself has been facing criticism over rising religious intolerance, attacks on minorities, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Rather than addressing these pressing concerns at home, diverting attention by pointing fingers at India only adds to the instability in the region.
This trend—first with Pakistan and now with Bangladesh—points to a larger concern: fundamentalist forces across South Asia are trying to create a false narrative targeting India to serve their own agendas. India, meanwhile, continues to focus on inclusive growth, legal reforms, and maintaining harmony among its diverse population.
India has not commented officially on the proposed protest in Dhaka, but it is likely that such developments will be watched closely in New Delhi.
