'Indians will starve to death if we...': Bangladesh student leader’s far-fetched claims spark anger and ridicule

A provocative statement by a Bangladeshi student leader has added fresh fuel to already strained ties between India and Bangladesh, drawing anger, ridicule and disbelief across social media and policy circles.

Musaddiq, identified as a student leader in Bangladesh, claimed that if Dhaka were to stop sending money to India, Indians would “starve to death.” He went on to allege that nearly one-fortieth of India’s annual budget, around 1.2 trillion Bangladeshi taka, comes from Bangladesh, a claim that has been widely dismissed as baseless. Musaddiq also called for Bangladesh to approach the International Court of Justice against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has taken refuge in India following her ouster from power in August last year.

He also made a provocative reference to severing India’s “seven sisters” -- India’s northeastern states. Over the past few months, several Bangladeshi leaders, including Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, have openly invoked threats that revive memories of Dhaka’s past role as a rear base for insurgency in India’s Northeast.

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Musaddiq's remarks come at a volatile moment in bilateral relations, which have sharply deteriorated following the killing of radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, widespread street unrest, and a spike in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Tensions have further deepened under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, which has faced criticism for failing to contain Islamist mobilisation, mob violence and inflammatory rhetoric targeting India.

In India, Musaddiq’s claims were met with outrage and sarcasm in equal measure. Economists and strategic analysts pointed out that India is the world’s fifth largest economy, while Bangladesh’s growth remains deeply linked to Indian markets, power supply, transit routes and regional connectivity. India is one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, a major destination for its exports, and a critical provider of electricity and infrastructure access. Far from financing India, Bangladesh benefits significantly from economic cooperation with New Delhi.

Social media users were quick to mock the comments. “He must have studied from Whatsapp University,” one user wrote. Another quipped, “Two of our biggest entertainers Pakistan and Bangladesh. They know the nuance of cracking dry humours.”

Others questioned the credibility of the claim amid Bangladesh’s own turmoil. “How are they even surviving with all these endless protests,” one comment read. “They live in a different world,” said another, while a user added, “That is why education is a must, I don't think they have that.”

Analysts warned that such rhetoric reflects a growing trend of irresponsible grandstanding in Bangladesh’s current political climate. With the interim government struggling to assert authority, fringe voices are increasingly shaping public discourse, often by invoking conspiracy theories and exaggerated claims about India. Observers say this feeds domestic mobilisation but risks isolating Bangladesh diplomatically.