Tension flared at a private university in Pune after members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha were accused of vandalising a Bangladesh-themed food stall during an international cultural event, triggering diplomatic concern and heightened security at the campus.Organisers said the disruption occurred during a global showcase hosted by the university, where students from several countries had set up stalls representing their national cultures. According to university officials and eyewitnesses, a group of activists entered the venue, damaged decorations at the Bangladesh stall and allegedly set fire to Bangladesh’s national flag. Video clips circulated online appeared to show individuals painting the flag on a road surface and raising slogans criticising Dhaka’s alleged “anti-India” posture.
Police confirmed that a complaint had been lodged and that an inquiry was under way. No injuries were reported, but authorities described the situation as “sensitive”, given the diplomatic implications. Security was reinforced around the campus, and senior university administrators held discussions with student representatives to prevent further escalation.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party, defended the protest, claiming it was a reaction to what they described as hostile rhetoric from sections of the Bangladesh political establishment. They said their demonstration was aimed at expressing opposition to statements perceived as critical of New Delhi’s policies. However, party officials at the state level distanced themselves from the act of vandalism and flag burning, stating that damage to property and disrespect to national symbols did not reflect the organisation’s official stance.
Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi sought clarification from authorities, expressing concern over the incident and calling for steps to ensure the safety and dignity of its national symbols. Officials emphasised that educational and cultural exchanges should remain insulated from political disputes. The episode comes at a time when bilateral relations, while anchored in trade, security cooperation and energy links, have faced strains over border management, river water sharing and political developments within Bangladesh.
University authorities condemned the violence and pledged full cooperation with investigators. A statement issued by the institution said the event was intended to celebrate diversity and foster dialogue among students from different backgrounds. Administrators also underlined that the campus remains committed to freedom of expression within the bounds of the law.
Legal experts note that desecration of a foreign national flag can attract charges under provisions relating to promoting enmity between groups and damaging public property, depending on the circumstances. Police indicated they were examining footage to identify individuals involved and determine whether charges under sections of the penal code and local public order laws would apply.
Political observers see the incident as part of a broader pattern in which domestic youth organisations have increasingly taken to direct action over foreign policy issues. Analysts point to a climate in which regional developments, particularly in neighbouring countries, are closely followed by party cadres who seek to signal solidarity with national positions. Such activism, while often symbolic, can spill into confrontation when conducted in public spaces linked to international representation.
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have historically been shaped by geography, economic interdependence and security cooperation. Bilateral trade has expanded steadily over the past decade, with Bangladesh emerging as a significant trading partner in South Asia. Connectivity projects, including rail and inland waterway links, have also strengthened cross-border integration. At the same time, political shifts in Dhaka and debates over citizenship, migration and minority rights have periodically generated friction in public discourse.
Former diplomats argue that incidents involving national symbols carry disproportionate emotional weight and can complicate diplomatic engagement. They note that both governments have, in the past, acted quickly to contain fallout from such episodes to prevent long-term damage to ties.
On the campus in Pune, students described a tense atmosphere following the protest, with some expressing fear that cultural platforms could become arenas for political confrontation. International participants at the event said they had expected a celebration of cuisine and art, not an outbreak of slogans and confrontation. University officials arranged counselling support and small-group dialogues to address concerns.