World Cup videos spark debate on anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh

As Indians were agonizing over the loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final on November 19, a few clips of rabid anti-India celebrations emerged from Bangladesh. There were hoots and shrill cries of elation.

As Indians were agonizing over the loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final on November 19, a few clips of rabid anti-India celebrations emerged from Bangladesh. There were hoots and shrill cries of elation.

These clips were shared on social media platforms, and while some said that the vidoes did not reflect the mood of the entire country, others asked whether anti-India sentiments were on the rise in Bangladesh, a neighbour that India helped liberate from Pakistan in 1971.

"Bangladesh's young Muslims are happy because India lost the World Cup. Why are they so much anti-India when India liberated their country and they depend on India for almost everything, healthcare, entertainment, clothing, beef, onion etc," exiled Bangladeshi author-activist Taslima Nasreen asked on X, reacting to the videos.

Nasreen went ahead and said, "Governments encourage them to practice Islam, they do and so automatically become anti-Hindu."

Experts say there is definitely an attempt to fan anti-India sentiments with Bangladesh headed for a crucial parliamentary election in January 2024. Rise in Islamic fundamentalism is also being blamed for the rise in India  hatred in the Muslim-majority country.