Amid rising political tension and street unrest in Bangladesh, the student wing of slain leader Sharif Osman Hadi has escalated its demands by directly targeting India. Inqilab Moncho, the radical student platform linked to Hadi, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, warning of intensified agitation if its demands are ignored.
The statement, announced from Shahbagh in Dhaka, signals a sharp shift from domestic outrage to external confrontation, placing India at the centre of its political messaging.
What Did Inqilab Moncho Demand?
Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inqilab Moncho, outlined the group’s demands late Sunday night. The group called for swift justice in the Osman Hadi murder case and issued deadlines for legal and political action.
“The trial of the entire killing squad, including the killer, the mastermind, the accomplices, those who aided the escape, and those who provided shelter, must be completed within the next 24 days,” he said.
The group also raised demands that go beyond the murder investigation. “To protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, the work permits of Indians must be suspended,” the statement said.
Inqilab Moncho further demanded that Dhaka file a case against India in an international court if New Delhi refuses to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Anti-India Narrative Gains Momentum
The ultimatum comes amid claims by Dhaka Metropolitan Police that two prime suspects in Osman Hadi’s murder fled to India through the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh. Indian authorities have strongly denied these claims.
Despite the lack of verification, Inqilab Moncho has used the allegation to amplify its anti-India rhetoric. The group accused India of sheltering “convicted asylum seekers” and demanded the identification of “collaborators of fascists” within Bangladesh’s civil and military intelligence. Political analysts say the strategy appears aimed at mobilising nationalist sentiment during a volatile period.
Bangladesh Rejects India’s Minority Violence Concerns
As tensions rise, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has pushed back against India’s concerns over violence against minorities in the country.
“We note that there are systematic attempts to portray the isolated incidents of criminal acts as systemic persecution of the Hindus and maliciously used to propagate anti-Bangladesh sentiments,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry accused certain quarters in India of amplifying incidents to incite hostility against Bangladesh and its diplomatic missions.
Dhaka Raises Minority Concerns in India
Bangladesh also turned the spotlight on India, raising concerns about violence against minorities across the border.
“Dhaka is deeply concerned over incidents of brutal killings, mob violence, obstruction of elections, and disruption of religious events targeting Muslims, Christians, and other minority communities in India,” foreign ministry spokesperson SM Mahbubul Alam said.
Referring to recent Christmas disruptions, he added that such incidents are viewed as hate crimes and urged Indian authorities to ensure impartial investigations.
New Political Flashpoint
The standoff highlights how Osman Hadi’s killing has become more than a criminal case. It now sits at the intersection of domestic instability, student radicalism, and strained India-Bangladesh relations.
With deadlines issued and rhetoric hardening, the Yunus government faces mounting pressure to contain unrest without allowing nationalist anger to spiral into a diplomatic crisis. The next 24 hours could prove critical.
