Bangladesh experienced over-enthusiastic anti-India celebrations following India’s loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final on November 19.

According to a report published on India Today, video clips of celebration were circulated on social media, raising concerns about the emergence of anti-Indian sentiments in Bangladesh, a neighbor that India assisted in gaining independence from Pakistan in 1971.

A giant screen was put up in Dhaka University for the India-Australia final match, and thousands of students watched the match, rejoicing over India’s loss.

The clips have prompted a conversation in Indian social media, some have questioned Bangladesh’s loyalty while some said that the videos did not reflect the mood of the entire country.

Exiled Bangladeshi author-activist Taslima Nasreen questioned on the X platform,“ Why Bangladesh’s young Muslims are happy because India lost the World Cup, as they depend on India for healthcare, entertainment, clothing, beef, onion, etc.“

On the other hand, experts believe that this seems an attempt to fan anti-India sentiments as Bangladesh heads for a crucial parliamentary election in January 2024.

The rise in Islamic fundamentalism is also blamed for the rise in Indian hatred in the Muslim-majority country.

However, some experts blame India-bashing and India’s “big-brother attitude” as Bangladesh always had anti-India and pro-Pakistan elements in its society.

Videos of Bangladeshis celebrating India’s cricket World Cup defeat went viral, with some saying that India’s defeat was like Bangladesh winning the World Cup.

“We are happier that India lost. Even Bangladesh winning the World Cup wouldn’t have made us this happy,” said another person in the video that was posted on X and had been viewed over 2.6 million times.

The remarks and rejoicing also come against the backdrop of reports of harassment of a Bangladeshi superfan in Ahmedabad.