New Delhi: Although a new government has been formed in Bangladesh following a general election, the country continues to face a mountain of problems. Protests against the administration of the new Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, who took office following a period of instability, have spread from small villages and towns to the capital, Dhaka. Anti-India slogans were also heard during these demonstrations against the Tarique Rahman government.
On Friday, a large rally was organised in Dhaka by Nahid Islam, a leader of the ‘National Citizen Party’ (NCP). Participants took to the streets to protest against the government, citing a lack of basic amenities. Protesters raised slogans against the administration, pointing to issues such as inflation, power shortages, and a scarcity of fuel and educational resources; they also demanded the resignations of the Home Minister and the Energy Minister.
Anti-India slogans raised at the rally.
Anti-India slogans were chanted during the rally, which took place in front of the National Museum in Dhaka. In videos circulating on social media, NCP leader Nahid Islam is seen leading a chant of “Not Delhi, but Dhaka! to which the crowd responded by chanting “Dhaka, Dhaka!”
Nahid Islam was a prominent figure in the July 2024 uprising, a movement that destabilised the government of Sheikh Hasina and ultimately forced the then-Prime Minister to flee the country.
Allegations of an Indian conspiracy against Bangladesh
Addressing the rally against Tarique Rahman’s government, Nahid Islam levelled serious allegations against India. He claimed that the current administration would fail to protect Bangladesh from “Indian conspiracies.” He further alleged that killings are taking place along the border, that Muslims face discrimination in the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal, and that there are plans to demolish mosques in Delhi.
Additionally, he raised the contentious issue of the sharing of the Ganges waters. He warned that if the agreement with India is not renegotiated fairly and equitably, the people of Bangladesh will once again take to the streets. This time, there will be no compromise regarding the water that is rightfully owed.
What is the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh?
For context, a 30-year agreement was established between India and Bangladesh concerning the sharing of Ganges water. The term of this agreement is set to expire in December 2026. Between January and May, the Ganges water is shared at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal.
In Bangladesh, the Ganges is known as the Padma River. A large portion of the population there relies on this river and its associated water system for their livelihoods. This is why the agreement between the two nations is considered highly significant. Bangladesh’s Minister of Water Resources has also called for a new agreement to be finalised by December.
