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ISLAMABAD: The killing of a Bangladeshi activist known for his outspoken criticism of India has sparked nationwide protests across Bangladesh and heightened political tensions, as authorities launched a manhunt for those responsible, according to Indian media reports. Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, was a vocal opponent of India, where Bangladesh&rsquo;s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge since fleeing Dhaka following the 2024 uprising. His death has triggered unrest across Bangladesh, with demonstrators demanding swift arrests and accountability. Iqbal Hossain Saikot, a government employee who traveled to the capital to attend Hadi&rsquo;s funeral, said he believed the killing was linked to Hadi&rsquo;s political stance. &ldquo;The millions of Bangladeshi people who love the land and its sovereign territory will carry on Hadi&rsquo;s legacy,&rdquo; Saikot said. Police in Bangladesh said they had launched a manhunt for the attackers but had not reported any breakthroughs by Tuesday. The incident has intensified anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, spilling over into protests in neighboring India. On Monday, leaders from Indian opposition parties and members of the Congress party staged demonstrations outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. According to local Indian media reports, protests continued on Tuesday in India&rsquo;s capital, New Delhi, where Hindutva activists gathered outside the Bangladesh High Commission. The report said Hindutva organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal, called the demonstrations. Protesters clashed with police after being barred from entering the diplomatic mission. Effigies of Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser to Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government, were burned on the road during the unrest, according to Indian media reports. Ties between neighbors Bangladesh and India have deteriorated since the uprising, with Dhaka demanding New Delhi extradite Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death in absentia after being charged with crimes against humanity.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and religious activists with posters of Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government shout slogans during a protest near the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh office in Kolkata on December 22, 2025.

Asia

The killing of a Bangladeshi activist known for his outspoken criticism of India has sparked nationwide protests in Bangladesh and heightened political tensions, as authorities launched a manhunt for those responsible.

Anti-India sentiment grows in Bangladesh after killing of activist

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: The recent thaw in Pakistan&ndash;Bangladesh relations has been welcomed by journalists, commentators, and diplomats, following signals from Dhaka that it is considering restoring direct flights and easing visa restrictions between the two countries.&nbsp;Senior Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir called the development &ldquo;great news&quot;, expressing hope that visa procedures will become simpler and more accessible for ordinary people.&nbsp;In a video message, Hamid Mir said: &quot;It was a very pleasant surprise to watch the interview of an adviser of the Bangladeshi government, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, on Pakistan TV when she disclosed that there is a possibility of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh.&quot;&nbsp;Many analysts say improved travel could help reconnect families, business communities, academics and cultural groups separated by decades of strained ties.&nbsp;The reactions came after Syeda Rizwana Hassan, Adviser for Environment in Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government, in an interview with Pakistan TV, said Dhaka is actively considering reinstating direct air links and may even explore visa-free travel in the future. <figure class="fr-media"><video controls="" src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/28214c1f-315d-4778-8815-ad385e4b0024-ANPK_16x9_xxxxx.mp4" class="fr-draggable fr-fvc fr-dvb"> </video></figure> &nbsp;She said such steps would support business confidence, enhance people-to-people contact, and strengthen regional cooperation.&nbsp;Bangladeshi journalist Wahiduzzaman Noor described the shift as &ldquo;a major move after years of diplomatic deadlock&rdquo;, while former US diplomat Jon Danilowicz welcomed the idea, noting that South Asia remains &ldquo;one of the least connected regions in the world&rdquo;, and that easier travel and trade corridors could encourage stability and economic growth.&nbsp;On social media, many described the development as a &ldquo;much-needed reset&quot;, saying the change in tone could help rebuild trust and revive the historic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;Observers say that progress may be gradual, but the gesture is widely seen as a positive step towards renewed engagement and regional understanding.

Beyond Borders

Pakistan and Bangladesh are moving towards restoring direct flights and easing visas, a development welcomed by journalists and diplomats as a positive step to rebuild trust, boost connectivity, and strengthen regional cooperation.


Articles tagged with "BANGLADESH"

Anti-India sentiment grows in Bangladesh after killing of activist

Thaw in Pakistan–Bangladesh relations welcomed

Anti-India sentiment grows in Bangladesh after killing of activist