Dhaka: A Bangladeshi student protest organisation has urged the interim government to cancel work permits issued to Indian nationals employed in Bangladesh. The call came from Inqilab Mancha, a group active in recent street mobilisations and political advocacy.
Local media reported the organisation submitted its demand to the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The group also pressed the government to initiate legal action against India at the International Court of Justice. These demands surfaced during a period of heightened political tension ahead of general elections scheduled for February 2026.
Inqilab Mancha was founded by Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a 32 year old activist killed earlier this month in an attack by unidentified assailants. Police investigations remain ongoing. Claims have circulated regarding the movement of suspects following the killing, including allegations involving routes towards India. Indian authorities have rejected such claims.
The organisation linked its demands to concerns over sovereignty and accountability. It framed the issue as a response to perceived external interference and internal insecurity following the killing of its founder.
Analysts have expressed concern over the tone and timing of the demands. They warned rising political radicalisation and confrontational rhetoric risk weakening democratic processes during the election period. Observers also pointed to the potential impact on bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India, which have faced strain in recent weeks.
India has not released any new statement responding to the protest group’s demands. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs dismissed allegations raised by Bangladesh’s interim authorities regarding Indian involvement in Hadi’s killing and described them as baseless.
Bangladeshi officials continue to examine possible cross border dimensions linked to the case. The situation remains sensitive as the country approaches a crucial electoral phase.
