Dhaka, Tuesday, 13 January 2026 – Thousands of Indian students in Bangladesh live in fear as Bangladesh unrest escalates. Anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh have surged since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024. Students report attacks, academic delays and safety concerns. The situation stems from political violence and protests ahead of national elections.
The story highlights broader South Asian tensions. India-Bangladesh relations strain over Hasina’s exile in New Delhi. Refusal to extradite her fuels resentment. This affects cross-border ties, trade and minority safety in the region.
Indian Students in Bangladesh Face Daily Threats
More than 9,000 Indian medical students enrol in Bangladeshi colleges each year. Many now confine themselves to hostels. Faisal Khan, a student from Haryana at East West Medical College, said he once explored Dhaka freely. Protests in July 2024 changed that. “I desperately wanted to go back home,” Khan told reporters. He returned briefly in August 2024 but came back in October. Classes remain disrupted. Exams postpone due to internet shutdowns and unrest.
Vaibhav, an intern at Dhaka National Medical College, hides his Indian identity. “We fear for our safety every day,” he said. As a Hindu, he feels vulnerable. During a viva after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, an examiner turned harsh upon learning his background. “One wrong word can make you a target,” Vaibhav added. Nights bring sleepless worry. Students endure internships despite risks. Investments in education keep them there.
Mohammad, another student at the same college, spent nights at the airport in 2024. Flights filled amid crackdowns. “We are still stuck here,” he said. COVID delays compounded with political turmoil. No clear end in sight.
An attack on 19 December 2024 heightened fears. Local assailants robbed an Indian student near East West Medical College. Security footage spread online. Panic followed among Indian students in Bangladesh.
Anti-India Sentiments in Bangladesh Fuel Violence
Anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh link to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Hasina fled to India after a student-led uprising. A tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia in November 2024. Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus demands her return. India refuses. This sparks street anger.
Attacks on minorities rise since August 2024. Hindus face targeted violence. The government attributes incidents to politics, not religion. Yet reports show increased assaults.
Sharif Osman Hadi’s killing on 15 December 2025 worsened matters. The uprising leader held anti-India views. Killers allegedly fled to India. Protests erupted. A Hindu man was lynched. India closed visa services temporarily.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern. In a briefing on 9 January 2026, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed attacks on minorities. “We have noted the reports and expect Bangladesh to ensure protection,” he stated. India rejects excuses like personal enmity. Such claims embolden perpetrators.
The All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA) appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a letter dated 23 December 2025, president Jitendra Singh highlighted distress calls. “Students are deeply shaken,” he wrote. AIMSA urged immediate intervention. Evacuation remains an option if threats persist.
Bangladesh officials downplay risks. Faisal Mahmud, press minister at the Bangladesh High Commission, confirmed stepped-up vigilance. “Law enforcement deploys maximally,” he said. Armed forces hold magistracy powers. Crime levels match pre-2014. Conditions stay stable despite election buildup.
Background: Sheikh Hasina Ouster and Regional Impact
Sheikh Hasina’s ouster marked a turning point. Protests began over job quotas in July 2024. They grew into demands for her resignation. Security forces cracked down. Hundreds died. Hasina resigned on 5 August 2024. She sought asylum in India.
Yunus formed an interim government. Reforms aim at fair elections. But violence persists. Anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh blame New Delhi for sheltering Hasina. Trade continues. Adani supplies power. Coal auctions open to Bangladeshi buyers. Yet diplomatic strains show in protests at missions.
In South Asia, this unrest affects migration and security. Indian students in Bangladesh represent strong educational ties. Disruptions harm both nations. Over 4,000 Bangladeshi students study in India yearly.
Political groups exploit tensions. Radicals divert blame to India. Yunus faces criticism for control loss. Minorities flee homes. Land grabs follow. Elections may decide stability.
What’s Next in Bangladesh Unrest
Elections on 12 February 2026 loom large. Deployment increases to curb violence. Yunus pledges fair polls. But protests continue at Dhaka University. Radicals demand justice for Hadi.
Indian students in Bangladesh watch closely. High Commission offers visa help for transfers. Many apply to continue studies in India. Evacuation plans prepare if needed.
Bangladesh unrest may peak pre-election. Governments urge calm. Protection for foreigners and minorities stands key. Dialogue seeks resolution on Hasina. Regional cooperation hangs in balance.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 13th, 2026
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