'Engineered Chaos': Violence, Anti-India Sentiment Being Managed In Bangladesh To Delay Polls?

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 11:36 IST

Sources argue that the deteriorating situation is being used to build a narrative that elections are unsafe, thereby creating space for delays.

People gather to protest after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Image: PTI)

Bangladesh is witnessing a fresh wave of political violence and unrest at a sensitive moment marked by pre-election uncertainty, with multiple sources alleging that the turmoil is being “managed" to create an atmosphere of fear and instability. According to sources tracking developments on the ground, the violence is unfolding at a time when questions are already being raised about the ability of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim setup to maintain law and order and ensure a credible electoral process.

Sources argue that the deteriorating security situation is being used to build a narrative that elections are unsafe, thereby creating space for delays, while radical elements consolidate their influence on the streets. They describe the current phase as one of “managed instability", where isolated incidents and deaths are rapidly politicised and weaponised by radical and opposition groups to mobilise mass protests.

The killing of youth protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi on December 18 is being cited by intelligence and political observers as a key catalyst. According to sources, Hadi’s death was quickly seized upon to trigger coordinated demonstrations across major cities including Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna and Rajshahi. What began as protests soon escalated into widespread violence, marked by arson, vandalism and direct street clashes.

Security inputs suggest that mobs blocked highways, attacked the homes of former ministers and targeted Awami League supporters in several localities. Media organisations were also not spared. Sources confirmed that offices linked to prominent outlets such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were vandalised, while in Dhaka, at least 25 journalists had to be rescued after being trapped during a mob attack.

A significant dimension of the unrest, according to sources, is the sharp amplification of anti-India sentiment. In Chattogram, stone-pelting and attacks were reported at the Indian Deputy High Commission’s residence and office, with circulating videos allegedly showing participation by militant elements. In Dhaka, radical groups attempted to march towards the Indian High Commission, broke through barricades, raised anti-India slogans and issued threats before being contained by police.

Effigy burnings, slogan-shouting and the targeting of Indian diplomatic assets, sources say, indicate a deliberate effort to internationalise the unrest and project India as a focal point of public anger. At the same time, questions are being raised over the role of law enforcement. Multiple sources pointed out that police remained conspicuously inactive in several zones, while acting forcefully in others, reinforcing allegations of selective enforcement.

Sources warn that the unfolding violence reflects deeper political engineering, with radical and political actors exploiting a volatile pre-election environment to reshape narratives, weaken rivals and raise doubts about Bangladesh’s readiness for polls.

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