DHAKA: People in Bangladesh have launched a “We Hate India” campaign in response to India’s release of water from the Dumber Dam without prior warning. This action has led to severe flooding in Bangladesh, impacting nearly 5 million people across the South Asian country.
India’s unannounced release of water into Bangladesh’s Tripura state has been linked to at least 42 deaths in both Bangladesh and India since the start of the week. As a result, nearly 300,000 Bangladeshis are currently seeking refuge in emergency shelters due to the widespread flooding.
Protesters have taken to the streets, expressing their frustration with chants such as “We Hate India” and “This Is Indian Water.” Many in Bangladesh suspect that India’s actions were a deliberate act of retribution for the role played by Bangladeshis in removing the Indian-backed government.
The flooding, worsened by the water release, has severely affected nearly 5 million people in Bangladesh. While the official death toll is at least 18, it is expected to rise as floodwaters recede.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the adviser on environment, forest, and climate change in the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, has called on India to ensure that Bangladesh is informed in advance about any water releases from shared rivers and to prevent future man-made disasters.
