Reflecting the Maldives situation, Bangladesh has now initiated its own anti-India campaign, with certain political factions in Dhaka accusing New Delhi of meddling in the nation’s elections. Social media platforms are flooded with tweets carrying hashtags like “boycott Indian products,” “boycott India,” and “India out,” gaining traction in Bangladesh. This movement gained momentum about a week after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took office following a contentious electoral process boycotted by opposition parties.
According to an Al Jazeera report, prominent Indian suppliers are facing criticism, with Bangladeshi grocery stores refusing to stock their goods. Marico, a major supplier of Indian consumer products, experienced a lukewarm reception in Dhaka’s Panthapath area. Shops that typically eagerly stock items like hair oils, cooking oil, and body lotion have been declining new deliveries. A local shopkeeper, Aman Ullah, noted a drastic drop in sales of Marico’s popular Parachute oil, stating that Indian products are not selling and they are left with unsold stock.
Another shopkeeper, speaking anonymously, expressed wholehearted support for the “India Out” campaign, stating, “I don’t want to sell Indian products anymore.” Anti-India sentiments have been escalating among Bangladesh citizens in recent years, particularly after last month’s elections, in which Sheikh Hasina secured her fourth term as prime minister amidst allegations of interference by the opposition, sparking a massive “India Out” campaign.
