India's Bangladesh Dilemma: 1971 Echoes as Diplomatic Crisis Deepens Over Hadi's Death

• India faces a diplomatic challenge with Bangladesh following widespread unrest over the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who died in Singapore.
• A Parliamentary panel report, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, warns that current developments in Bangladesh pose India's "greatest strategic challenge" since the 1971 Liberation War.
• The report highlights a "shift" in Bangladesh, citing the collapse of Awami League dominance, youth nationalism, Islamist re-entry, and increasing Chinese and Pakistani influence, risking India's strategic space.
• Delhi-Dhaka relations are strained due to Sheikh Hasina's exile in India and Bangladesh's interim government strengthening ties with China.
• Protesters in Bangladesh accuse India of sheltering Hadi's alleged attackers, demanding extradition and even the closure of the Indian High Commission; India strongly denies these allegations.

Why It Matters: India faces a complex diplomatic challenge in Bangladesh, with 1971 parallels, risking its strategic influence.