Nahid Islam Leads Anti-India Protests in Dhaka Over Water Treaty
Nahid Islam led thousands of protesters in Dhaka demanding ministerial resignations and a favorable new water-sharing agreement with India before the current treaty expires.
Thousands of protesters led by Nahid Islam, leader of the NCP, marched through Dhaka on October 30, 2026, to protest inflation, electricity shortages, and fuel and gas deficits. The demonstrators demanded the resignations of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku.
The rally shifted toward anti-India sentiment, with participants chanting "Delhi Nahi, Dhaka." Islam accused India of interfering in Bangladesh's interests, specifically citing border killings, the demolition of mosques in Delhi, and the treatment of Muslims in Assam and West Bengal.
A primary driver of the unrest is the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which expires in December 2026. Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has called for a revised agreement that includes a guarantee clause for water during the dry season. In contrast, the Government of India maintains that discussions should continue through the existing Joint Rivers Commission.
Islam warned that protests would escalate if the government fails to secure a favorable water-sharing bargain with New Delhi.
