A US-based Awami League leader has called on India to take military action against Bangladesh in a series of posts on the social media platform X.

Dr Mohammad Ali Manik, general secretary of the United States Awami League (South), made the remarks while responding to discussions about Bangladesh potentially joining the so-called “Mecca Pact”.

In a comment under a post by the X account South Asia Index, he wrote: “For its own security, India should now act like Russia, which invaded Ukraine over its bid to join Nato.”

The remarks came amid reports that Bangladesh had expressed interest in joining a new trilateral defence agreement.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was closely monitoring the developments.

Sharing a post containing Mr Jaiswal’s comments, Dr Manik wrote: “India made a grave mistake by not invading Bangladesh immediately after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. If they make the same mistake now, they will pay the same price.”

His comments prompted widespread criticism after they circulated on social media.

Dr Manik later deleted his X account following the backlash.