[🇧🇩] Student revolution in Bangladesh-----how does it impact India?

[Saif]

‘Plot on to label Bangladesh as a communal country’

Stating that there is a plot to brand Bangladesh as a communal country by labelling false allegations of repression against minorities, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday urged all to remain alert to thwart such a move.

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‘Plot on to label Bangladesh as a communal country’
Says Fakhrul; he leaves for London today to meet Tarique

Photo: AFP

Stating that there is a plot to brand Bangladesh as a communal country by labelling false allegations of repression against minorities, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday urged all to remain alert to thwart such a move.

"My only request is that what we have achieved should not go in vain, because there is a fascist sitting on the other side of the border," he said at a student convention held at the Krishibid Institute of Bangladesh (KIB).

The event, titled "Student Convention 2024," was organised by the Thakurgaon Chhatra Kalyan Parishad in Dhaka.

The BNP leader claimed that fascist forces, staying in India, are devising various conspiracies and instigating a series of untoward incidents.

"After orchestrating these incidents, they are spreading them worldwide to portray Bangladesh as a country of fundamentalists, where minorities are being persecuted."

Fakhrul said the Indian newspapers and social media relay such vile incidents as evidence of what is happening in Bangladesh.

"Actually, it is not. Who is doing these things? Why are they doing them? I am saying this because we have no time to be happy that we have won..."

The BNP leader said a sword is still above the heads of the democratic and pro-Bangladesh forces.

"They [fascist forces] are trying to take us back to darkness everywhere. So, we must stay vigilant and alert. Any hasty actions or chaos must be prevented to ensure that no one can instigate it."

The BNP leader also alleged that the Awami League had depleted the country's resources through widespread planning and corruption.

"The economy has been ruined, banks have been plundered, and looting, bribery, and corruption were rampant everywhere. We must put a stop to these things and build resistance against them."

Fakhrul also expressed frustration over the fact that students from different colleges were fighting against each other, despite having once united to overthrow an oppressive regime. "This is not acceptable in any way."

"We must stand against this, as it is a conspiracy...Your [students'] responsibility is to make people understand that this is not the way. I am deeply concerned when I see a lawyer killed on the road in the name of ISKCON, in the name of religion."

Fakhrul thanked the students for their crucial role in helping oust the fascist government through a mass uprising. "Fighting against fascism without resources is nearly impossible, but your courage made it possible."

Throughout Bangladesh's history, he said whenever the people, along with students, united in resistance, victory was always achieved.

FAKHRUL LEAVES FOR LONDON

Fakhrul is scheduled to leave for London, UK, today for a 10-day visit, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

According to BNP sources, Fakhrul is travelling to London to meet party acting chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss political and party matters.

Once Mirza Fakhrul returns, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may travel to London for medical treatment.​

 

[Bilal9]

Dhaka slams desecration of nat’l flag in Kolkata

The government yesterday strongly condemned the desecration of Bangladesh’s national flag and the burning of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’s effigy in Kolkata as “deplorable acts”.

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Dhaka slams desecration of nat’l flag in Kolkata
Decries violent protest outside its mission

View attachment 11142

The government yesterday strongly condemned the desecration of Bangladesh's national flag and the burning of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's effigy in Kolkata as "deplorable acts".

The foreign ministry in a statement decried the violent protests outside the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in the West Bengal capital.

Expressing "deep concern" over the incident, the ministry called upon the Indian government to take necessary measures to prevent such occurrences.

It also urged New Delhi to ensure the safety and security of all the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India as well as its diplomats and non-diplomatic members of staff.

A large group of protesters participated in the demonstration in the evening, organised by a Kolkata-based Hindu organisation "Bongio Hindu Jagran".

The protest turned violent as the demonstrators broke through police barricades and reached the boundaries of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, according to the foreign ministry statement.

"They set fire to the national flag of Bangladesh and burned the effigy of the Hon'ble Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh," the statement said.

Although the situation seems to be under control at the moment, there is a prevailing sense of insecurity among all the members of the Deputy High Commission, it added.​

I think it may be time to call in the Indian ambassador in Dhaka to the Bangladesh foreign ministry, and give him an earful before handing him a protest note.

If things get worse, then - recall Bangladesh' high commissioner/ambassador back home from New Delhi and Kolkata. No more visas allowed for Indians.

Both parties have to work at bilateral relations, Bangladeshis should not take this sort of insult lying down.

Indians are having a hard time accepting that the horses have left the barn and that ships have sailed.

 

[Saif]

Kolkata’s flag-burning incident must not recur

Such hostile acts will add fuel to the fire

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Kolkata’s flag-burning incident must not recur
Such hostile acts will add fuel to the fire

Visual: Star

The burning of the Bangladesh national flag and the effigy of the chief adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata was a reckless and provocative act. This incident has the potential to inflame tensions between India and Bangladesh, exacerbating already strained relations. Such hostile displays only serve to deepen divisions.

According to Bangladesh's foreign ministry, violent protests erupted with demonstrators breaking through police barricades and reaching the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission's boundaries, creating a sense of insecurity among the staff. This kind of aggression threatens not only bilateral relations but could have far-reaching consequences, spilling over into social unrest and further instability in the region.

What makes this incident even more concerning is the involvement of certain Indian regional political figures who appear to be exploiting anti-Bangladesh sentiment for domestic political gain. The recent inflammatory rhetoric and actions by some politicians risk undermining India's own foreign policy and could have broader implications. India has long been a vocal advocate for the rights of minorities in Bangladesh, which the interim government has time and again committed to uphold.

One particularly dangerous narrative being peddled is the claim that the arrest of former ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari is an attack on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. This rhetoric is baseless and irresponsible. The arrest has been misrepresented by sections of the Indian media, which serves to stoke fears and fuel divisions. The tragic death of a lawyer during protests in Chattogram has further been distorted to fit this narrative. Initially, some outlets erroneously claimed that the lawyer, a Muslim, had been targeted because he was representing Chinmoy Das, but this was later proven false. Despite this, false narratives continue to circulate, amplifying tensions.

India and Bangladesh share a complex history, but they also share significant economic and strategic interests. The actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to undermine the broader relationship. It is time for both governments, and particularly the Indian media, to resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and focus on strengthening the ties that bind the two nations. The stakes are far too high to allow such provocative incidents to escalate into something far worse.

We urge the Indian media, in particular, to exercise rigorous journalistic principles when reporting these incidents and to avoid taking them out of context, which may lead to exaggeration and misreporting.​

 

[Saif]

Attack on Agartala mission: Student bodies protest at DU

Students of Jagannath Hall join protest, condemn attack

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Attack on Agartala mission: Student bodies protest at DU
Students of Jagannath Hall join protest, condemn attack

Photo: Star

Leaders and activists from various student organisations staged a demonstration tonight, strongly condemning the attack by a large group of protesters from the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in India's Tripura.

The protest followed rallies held by several student groups, including the Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement and Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, near the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University.

Student leaders emphasised that the incident in Agartala violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, which protects the inviolability of diplomatic missions.

They also criticised India's approach, noting that the Indian government has maintained relations with the Awami League, but not with the people of Bangladesh.

They expressed concerns over India's dissatisfaction with the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, and the lack of condemnation from India regarding the mass killings of students and civilians in Bangladesh by Awami League.

The student leaders urged India to respect Bangladesh's sovereignty, stating that the safety and rights of all Bangladeshis, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, should be ensured by the Bangladeshi government, not by India. They also called on India to refrain from interfering in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

The leaders further accused India's media of exaggerating incidents of minority attacks in Bangladesh, claiming that India is attempting to politicise these issues. They stressed that Bangladesh enjoys religious harmony, with minorities living peacefully in the country.

Bin Yamin Molla, president of Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, urged all political parties in Bangladesh to unite against India's alleged interference and demanded a ban on Awami League politics, calling it an ally of India.

The protest concluded with students marching in procession across the campus.

During the protest, at least 30-40 residential students of Jagannath Hall, a dormitory comprised of non-Muslim students, went to Raju Memorial to voice their support.

One of the residents, Joy Pal said, "Forget the differences of religion, caste, race, and tribe. We are all Bangladeshis and that is our only identity."

"When it comes to the sovereignty of the country, we will all stand united. We have seen that, at different times, various conspiracies have been made against the Hindus of Bangladesh," he said.

"Not just Hindus, but conspiracies are being made against Bangladesh itself. We all must stand united against these conspiracies."

The attack on the Bangladesh consulate in India should be condemned by every citizen of the country, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Rally held in Ctg to protest Agartala mission attack

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement tonight held a rally in Chattogram protesting the attack on the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala

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Rally held in Ctg to protest Agartala mission attack

Photo: Collected

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement tonight held a rally in Chattogram protesting the attack on the premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala.

Speakers from the rally demanded an explanation from the Indian High Commission over the incident.

The rally, organised by the movement's Chattogram unit at the city's Sholoshohor Railway Station, was addressed by the student movement's Central Coordinator Russell Ahmed and Co-Coordinator Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi.

The speakers at the rally said, "Since independence, India has been trying to spread its hegemony in Bangladesh. During the rule of the dictator Sheikh Hasina, India's hegemony was deep-rooted. But on August 5, the student-led mass uprising uprooted Indian hegemony."

Citing recent recent violence and border killings, they said, "These incidents have been caused by a joint conspiracy between Awami League and India. They are yet again hatching conspiracies and plots. Our appeal to the countrymen is that you should unite. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians -- we all have to maintain the harmony that exists among us. Together, we will resist this conspiracy," said the leaders of the movement.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka slams 'heinous attack' on its Agartala mission

The government of Bangladesh today said it “deeply resents” the “violent demonstration and attack” by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala...The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in

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Dhaka slams 'heinous attack' on its Agartala mission

The government of Bangladesh today said it "deeply resents" the "violent demonstration and attack" by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, underlined that this "heinous attack" on a diplomatic mission of Bangladesh and desecration of the national flag of Bangladesh comes in a pattern, further to a similar violent demonstration in Kolkata on 28 November 2024.

"This particular act in Agartala stands in violation of the inviolability of diplomatic missions, as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, asks for," the ministry said.

As it is the responsibility of the host government to protect the diplomatic missions from any form of intrusion or damage, Dhaka called upon New Delhi to take immediate action to address this incident and undertake a thorough investigation into the incident.

Bangladesh sought steps to prevent any further acts of violence against the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India, including the safety and security of the diplomats and the non-diplomatic members of staff and members of their families.

"The accounts received conclusively attest that the protesters were allowed to aggress into the premises, by breaking down the main gate of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in a pre-planned manner," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In the process, in the presence of the members of the local law enforcement agencies, they vandalised the flag pole, desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh and also damaged properties inside the Assistant High Commission, the government of Bangladesh said.

Regrettably, the ministry said, the local police persons present there to protect the premises were found not to be active in containing the situation from the beginning.

All members of the Assistant High Commission are left with a deep sense of insecurity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government of India, in a separate statement, said they are taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country.

"The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable," said the Ministry of External Affairs.

Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances, the Indian ministry said.​

 

[Saif]

Agartala ‘security breach’ ‘deeply regrettable’: India

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, also said it is taking steps to step up security in diplomatic missions of Bangladesh across the country.

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Agartala ‘security breach’ ‘deeply regrettable’: India
Indian foreign ministry says action taken to step up security for all Bangladesh missions across India

India today said the security breach of the premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, the capital city of the north eastern state of Agartala, is "deeply regrettable".

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, also said it is taking steps to step up security in diplomatic missions of Bangladesh across the country.

"Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances," the MEA said in a statement amidst rising tensions in bilateral ties.

The comments by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came hours after thousands of people took out a massive rally around the Bangladeshi mission in Tripura protesting the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

According to PTI, over 50 protesters reportedly entered the premises of the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, triggering concerns among those present at the complex.

The rally was taken out under the banner of Hindu Sangharsh Samity, an affiliate of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

A memorandum was submitted to the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala, Arif Mohammad, over the issue, PTI said.

"The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable," the MEA said in a statement.

It said the Indian government is taking action to step up security for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and other missions of the country in India.

"The government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their deputy/assistant high commissions in the country," it said.

Last Friday, MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal had said that the interim government in Bangladesh must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities as it expressed serious concern over the "surge" of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence against Hindus.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have come under strain after the interim government headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus came to power following the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh won't compromise in regards to sovereignty: Hasnat

Bangladesh will not compromise even an inch in the question of sovereignty and territorial integrity with India, said Anti-Discrimination Students Movement convener Hasnat Abdullah

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Bangladesh won't compromise in regards to sovereignty: Hasnat

Photo: Star

Bangladesh will not compromise even an inch in the question of sovereignty and territorial integrity with India, said Anti-Discrimination Students Movement convener Hasnat Abdullah.

"Do not view this government through the lens of the Awami League. Instead, build a relationship of fairness with it. If our relationship deteriorates, when the question of integrity and sovereignty arises, we will not compromise an inch," Hasnat told reporters following a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday.

The meeting, held at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital, began around 6:30pm and continued until 8:00pm.

Hasnat accused the Awami League of using the minority card to perpetuate a narrative that the interests of the Hindu community would only be safeguarded under its rule.

"We want to send a clear message: the Awami League government's oppression, persecution, and looting of minority properties are unparalleled in history," he said.

Referring to India, he said, "If you think only the Awami League can protect minority rights, you are entirely mistaken."

"Let me be clear: when it comes to sovereignty and territorial integrity, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians will fight together," he said.

He alleged that India has relied on the Awami League to maintain unfair relationships with Bangladesh over the past 16 years.

"If you believe these unjust ties can continue, you are wrong," he said.

"India has always viewed Bangladesh through the Awami League's perspective. The relationship has not been one between the people of the two countries or even between two states, but rather between India and the Awami League," Hasnat added.

He highlighted the importance of people-to-people and state-to-state relationships between Bangladesh and India.

"We urge the chief adviser to disclose all secret agreements made with the Awami League and the Indian government, ensure justice for border killings, including Felani's case, and guarantee Bangladesh's fair share of water," Hasnat said.

"Our trade relations with India must be based on fairness and dignity," he added.

"Everyone in Bangladesh lives with equality and dignity. We discussed ways to share this harmony with the world and ensure the establishment of an anti-propaganda cell."​

 

[Saif]

BNP voice concern over attack on Bangladesh mission

BNP expressed deep concern over India's remarks surrounding the arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and subsequent attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic missions

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BNP voice concern over attack on Bangladesh mission
Slams India's remarks on Chinmoy arrest

BNP expressed deep concern over India's remarks surrounding the arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and subsequent attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic missions.

The BNP's National Standing Committee has sharply criticised India's recent responses, stating that such reactions amount to unwarranted interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs, which is contrary to diplomatic norms.

During a meeting at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office on Monday, the Standing Committee discussed several issues, including Chinmoy Krishna Das's arrest, the violent incidents that followed (resulting in the death of a lawyer), attacks on Bangladesh's Assistant High Commission in Agartala and Deputy Commission in Kolkata, and what they referred to as "controversial" remarks by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

A standing committee member wishing not to be named told The Daily Star that Bangladesh has refrained from responding to India's internal communal incidents in the past but now India's stance toward Bangladesh has suddenly shifted.

BNP policymakers pointed out the role of Indian media and officials in escalating tensions following the arrest of a Hindu leader and incidents involving ISKCON in Bangladesh.

They alleged these events appear premeditated, with India aiming to destabilise Bangladesh and label it as a communal state.

In light of these events, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has called for patience and restraint. Meanwhile, in a statement today, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the attacks on Bangladesh's missions, terming them violations of the Geneva Convention.

He emphasised that the attack on the Assistant High Commission, including burning the Bangladeshi flag, appeared premeditated and was a clear breach of the Vienna Convention.

Mirza Fakhrul urged the Indian government and its people to avoid using Bangladesh as a tool in their internal political strategies, warning that such actions could lead to long-term tensions between the two countries.

He also expressed hope that India would respect the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens.

Several members of the standing committee said that while Bangladesh has refrained from reacting to internal communal incidents in India, India's sudden focus on Bangladesh's internal matters is perplexing.

The top BNP leaders in the meeting accused Indian authorities and media of engaging in a deliberate campaign to portray Bangladesh as a communal and unstable state.

The standing committee noted that allegations of communal violence in Bangladesh are being used as a pretext for Indian interference.

They also accused the ruling Awami League of being complicit in these incidents, using them to divert attention from domestic issues, sources said.

The party plans to hold a press conference soon, presenting a documentary on India's recent and historical actions concerning Bangladesh.

The committee expressed satisfaction, stating it proves the case was politically motivated and intended to eliminate the Zia family from politics.

BNP also announced plans to publish a white paper on corruption and economic mismanagement during the Awami League's 15-year tenure, citing $28 billion in money laundering.

Apart from these, the party will organise a grand concert featuring local artists to mark December 16, ensuring it reflects Bangladeshi culture and patriotism without involving artists from India or Pakistan.​

 

[Saif]

India must protect Bangladesh's diplomatic missions

Hostile rhetoric, mobilisations by Hindutva groups fuelling unrest

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India must protect Bangladesh's diplomatic missions
Hostile rhetoric, mobilisations by Hindutva groups fuelling unrest

VISUAL: STAR

We are alarmed by the hostile rhetoric and mobilisations by India's Hindu nationalist groups targeting Bangladesh, which culminated on Monday in an attack on the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala, Tripura. We strongly protest this blatant violation of the Vienna Convention that guarantees the inviolability of diplomatic missions. It also marks a dangerous provocation that risks further straining Bangladesh-India ties and undermining regional stability. True, India has "regretted" this incident, but if India genuinely wants a "stable relationship" with the post-uprising Bangladesh—as its external affairs minister had asserted in September—the government must act decisively to de-escalate tensions and counter disinformation, rather than being a bystander on the sidelines of what appears to be a coordinated anti-Bangladesh campaign.

Monday's attack was reportedly led by the Hindu Sangharsh Samity, an affiliate of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). A group of about 150 protesters stormed mission premises, damaged property, and desecrated the Bangladesh flag, while security officials stood by passively. On the same day, the VHP also led another group of protesters near the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Mumbai, just days after a similar protest outside the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata where demonstrators burned our flag and the effigies of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The coordinated nature of all such hostile actions suggests a worrying pattern of hostility surrounding the arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka. What's being lost in the chaos is that this is a legal matter unrelated to his faith, but it's being exploited nonetheless to support the false narrative of minority persecution in Bangladesh.

So, to say these actions were an expression of "longstanding grievances"—as a minister of the Tripura government did—is nothing but an attempt to justify the orchestrated chaos for which local political interests are equally to blame. A case in point is West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's statement in which she urged the Indian government to seek the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh to "ensure the safety of minorities". Such rhetoric plays into the disinformation campaign by sections of the Indian media that continue to exaggerate isolated incidents of minority attacks in Bangladesh, giving Indian nationalist politicians a tool to rally domestic support and distract from India's own challenges. Calling for UN intervention—an appeal repeated by Mamata's Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Tuesday—is also an affront to Bangladesh's sovereignty, which is totally unacceptable.

We urge the Indian government to thoroughly investigate the recent string of violent protests and ensure the safety of our diplomatic missions and staff. So far, it has reportedly arrested seven individuals and suspended three policemen over the Agartala security breach. However, much more needs to be done to improve safety and restore confidence. Equally important is to actively counter, through fact-checking initiatives, the disinformation campaign that has been ongoing ever since Sheikh Hasina's fall. We also urge Mamata Banerjee to refrain from her offensive posturing against Bangladesh, which will only further inflame tensions.

Bangladesh wants "normal and friendly" relations with India, as our foreign affairs adviser has reiterated, and if India wants the same, it must demonstrate its commitment by addressing any bilateral issues through dialogue and mutual respect, not hostility or misrepresentation.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh shuts Agartala mission in India after attack

The Bangladesh mission at Agartala in India was closed on security ground on Tuesday a day after it came under attack by a group of Indian protesters during a violent demonstration.

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh shuts Agartala mission in India after attack
Mustafizur Rahman 03 December, 2024, 20:20

Front view of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. | Collected photo

The Bangladesh mission at Agartala in India was closed on security ground on Tuesday a day after it came under attack by a group of Indian protesters during a violent demonstration.

Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma was summoned by the foreign ministry in Dhaka over the ‘heinous attack’ on its mission in Agartala, capital of Tripura state.

‘Given the security situation, all visa and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala will remain suspended until further notice,’ said first secretary and head of chancery Md Al Amin in a notice issued on Tuesday, adding that this came into effect immediately.

This is for the intimation of all the visa and consular service seekers, according to the office order.

In the presence of the members of the local law enforcement agencies, the Indian protesters on Monday vandalised the flag pole, desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh and also damaged properties inside the assistant high commission, according to the foreign ministry officials in Dhaka.

Tripura has been witnessing widespread protests over the arrest and detention of a Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, in Chattogram on November 25.

The violent demonstration and attack by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity on Monday afternoon on the premises of the assistant high commission of Bangladesh in Agartala of India drew widespread condemnations and protests here in Bangladesh.

Indian high commissioner Verma, after attending the meeting with acting foreign secretary Reaz Hamidullah on being summoned, said, ‘We are willing to engage with the interim government of Bangladesh.’

The Indian envoy on Tuesday also told the reporters that Delhi wanted to maintain constant, stable and constructive relationship with Dhaka.

Terming the relationship between the two countries as ‘multifaceted and wide-ranging’, he said that India was interested to work with Bangladesh government to fulfill shared aspiration of the two neighbouring nations for peace, security and development.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a separate briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, said India was a big neighbour of Bangladesh and the government wanted good relations with the neighbour.

‘But the good relationship should be based on just and equity,’ he added.

The Hindustan Times reported that Indian authorities have already arrested seven people and suspended four police officers for their alleged involvement in the attack on Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala.

The Indian police on Tuesday said that a case was filed against the suspects, including Jhutan Das (Golchakkar border), Ujjwal Das (Dashamighat), Diptanil Bhowmik (Abhoynagar), Surja Das (Amtali), Alak Majumder (SDO Chowmuhani), Pradip Saha (79 Tilla), and Jhulan Malakar (Belonia), read the report available online.

Thousands of people on Monday held a massive rally in Agartala, demanding the immediate release of Chinmoy and stopping alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, reports The Economic Times on Monday.

Protesters from the rally brought out a procession under the banner of Hindu Sangharsh Samity, an affiliate of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and stormed into the Bangladesh assistant high commissioner’s office there having a workforce of only nine.

All the employees of the mission office were left with insecurity after the protesters damaged properties inside the office and desecrated Bangladesh’s national flag, according to foreign ministry officials in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi maintains diplomatic representative offices in Agartala, Chennai, Mumbai, Guwahati and Kolkata.

The Indian government, meanwhile, has upped the security of the Bangladesh diplomatic missions in India, the Indian media reported.

Indian Hindus also took part in a protest outside the Bangladesh mission in Mumbai on Monday amid the unrest in Bangladesh after the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, Agence France-Presse reported.

The professor Muhammad Yunus-led government has reaffirmed ‘in the strongest terms’ that every Bangladeshi, regardless of their religious identity, has the ‘right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals and practices or express views without hindrance.’

Dhaka has deeply resented the violent demonstration and attack by the protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity on the premises of the assistant high commission of Bangladesh in Agartala of India.

‘This particular act in Agartala stands in violation of the inviolability of diplomatic missions, as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, asks for,’ said the Bangladesh foreign ministry in a press statement on Monday.

It said that all members of the assistant high commission were left ‘with a deep sense of insecurity.’

The government has already called upon the Indian government to take immediate action to address this incident, to undertake a thorough investigation into the incident and to prevent any further acts of violence against the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India, including the safety and security of the diplomats and the non-diplomatic members of staff and members of their families.​

 

[Saif]

Protests erupt across Bangladesh after mission attack in India's Agartala

Protests over the attack on Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala of India continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday in Dhaka as elsewhere in the country.

www.newagebd.net

Protests erupt across Bangladesh after mission attack in India's Agartala
Staff Correspondent 04 December, 2024, 00:28

Students bring out a torch procession, protesting at the attack on Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala of India and the remarks of West Bengal’s chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on Dhaka University campus on Tuesday. | Focus Bangla photo

Protests over the attack on Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala of India continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday in Dhaka as elsewhere in the country.

Socio-political organisations, including, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlis, Jatiya Nagarik Committee, Gana Odhikar Parishad faction in Dhaka rallied in protest at the attack by Indian protesters who stormed into Bangladesh mission in Agartala and vandalised properties there on Monday.

Amid the growing tension, the Border Guard Bangladesh in a press release said that the paramilitary force was prepared and alerted to prevent any unwanted situations along the borders.

The Bangladesh government, meanwhile, has tightened security around the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and its other missions in other places, including Chattogram and Rajshahi amid overnight protests following Monday’s attack on Bangladesh mission in Tripura’s capital Agartala.

Bangladesh Army members stand guard to avoid unwanted situation on the road adjacent to the Indian high commission, following Monday’s attack on Bangladesh mission in Agartala of India, at Shahjadpur in the capital on Tuesday. — Md Saurav

A huge number of law enforcers, including the Bangladesh Army members, were seen deployed along the road near the Indian High Commission in the Bashtala area at Shahjadpur in the capital as representatives under the banner of Bangladesh Society called a protest rally in front of the Indian mission.

‘No programme has been held near Indian High Commission in Dhaka today. We have tightened security, especially during daytime and security will also be ensured even at night until the issuance of further notice,’ Dhaka Metropalitan Police Gulshan Division deputy commissioner Mohammad Tareq Mahmud told New Age.

He said that they would not allow any anarchy such as setting fire to the Indian flag and vandalism.

‘Anyone can hold peaceful protest,’ the police official added.

In the Dhaka city, the BNP brought out a protest procession and held a rally protesting at the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, tearing of the Bangladeshi flag, and the aggression of Delhi.

Addressing a rally in front of its central party office in the capital’s Naya Paltan area on Tuesday afternoon, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that India’s prime minister Narendra Modi was conspiring to repatriate the fallen dictator, Sheikh Hasina.

‘After Sheikh Hasina was expelled, the people of this country were happy. They are now able to move freely. Conspiracy continued in Delhi,’ he said.

‘They [India] attacked our Deputy High Commission in Agartala, they tore the flag. Attacking a guest in one’s own home is called cowardice,’ he said.

Before the rally, a procession led by BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was brought out from in the front of the central office and paraded roads near Nightingale crossing and the party office.

Strongly condemning the attack on the High Commission and tearing down the flag, the BNP leader said that no one could take away the country’s freedom, sovereignty and flag.

Democratic Students’ Alliance, a platform of student wings of left leaning political parties, brought out a torch procession on the Dhaka University campus protesting at the attack and West Bengal’s chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks.

The students also demanded disclosure and cancellation of all unequal contracts with India.

Progressive students of Jahangirnagar University including Socialist Students’ Front, Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Jahangirnagar Cultural Alliance brought out a torch procession on the campus protesting at the attack on the Bangladesh mission and assaulting the national flag, New Age correspondent at JU reported.

Members of the Islami Andolon Bangladesh held a protest outside the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka condemning the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala and denouncing ‘anti-Bangladesh provocations’ by India, United News of Bangladesh reported.

‘Authorities must investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to book quickly,’ Yunus Ahmad, IAB general secretary said.

He said that they had received reports of Bangladeshis being persecuted at the border.

Khelafat Majlis brought out a protest possession in front of the National Press Club and marched through Paltan crossing and ended on the Bijoynagar road.

Gono Odhikar Parishad faction at a protest rally in Dhaka city said that India should offer public apology over attacking Bangladesh mission in Agartala.

Amar Bangladesh Party held a rally and brought out a procession from its Bijoynagar office and paraded different roads in Kakrail and Paltan areas.

The Jatiya Nagarik Committee, a platform of youths, who were at the forefront during the student-led mass uprising that overthrew the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, held a rally in front of the Bangladesh National Museum on Tuesday afternoon. Speakers claimed the attack was on the Bangladesh’s sovereignty and a conspiracy to destroy communal harmony in the country.

The platform convener, Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwary, said that the attack on the mission went against the international treaty, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.

Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee also raised voice expressing deep concern over the issue in a meeting, presided over by its member and former Jahangirnagar University professor Anu Muhammad.

Given the security situation, all visas and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala will remain suspend until further notice, Bangladesh mission in Agartala said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities have arrested seven people and suspended four police officers for their alleged involvement in the attack on Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, reports hindustantimes.com.

BNP Chattogram city unit staged a protest rally and brought out a procession condemning the attack and vandalism, New Age Staff Correspondent in Chattogram reported.

Security around the Assistant High Commission of India in Rajshahi was stepped up on Tuesday amid protests by the BNP and its affiliated bodies in the city, New Age Staff Correspondent in Rajshahi reported.

Earlier on Monday night, Rajshahi University students also brought out a procession and held a short rally on the university campus.

In Sylhet, BNP protested at the attack on Bangladesh in Agartala bringing out a procession from the Central Shaheed Minar at Chowhatta in the city for half an hour.

New Age correspondent in Jashore reported that the Student Movement Against Discrimination staged demonstrations in Jashore town protesting at the attack.

In Barishal, students of various educational institutions and different political parties brought out protest processions and rallies over the attack and vandalism at Agartala in India by extremists Hindus, New Age correspondent in the district reported.

BNP district unit in Noakhali held a protest rally and brought out a procession in the Maijdee area condemning the attack, reported New Age Correspondent in Noakhali.

Feni district unit of Khelafat Majlis held a rally and human chain in the Feni Trunk Road area protesting at the attack.

Students in Rangpur also protested over the attack.

On Monday night, the Student Movement Against Discrimination held a protest rally outside the Indian Assistant High Commission in Khulna.​

 

[Saif]

We can’t reduce multifaceted relationship to one issue: Indian envoy

The foreign ministry summoned the high commissioner against the backdrop of a violent attack at the assistant high-commission of Bangladesh at Agartala

en.prothomalo.com

We can’t reduce multifaceted relationship to one issue: Indian envoy
Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 03 Dec 2024, 18: 10

Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma was summoned by the foreign ministry. He enters the ministry on Tuesday. Prothom Alo

The Indian high-commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, has laid emphasis on taking forward the multifaceted relationship with Bangladesh, instead of reducing it to any particular issue.

“This is something that we keep talking… quite ranging and multifaceted relationship. We can’t reduce it to one issue or one agenda,” he said while appearing at the foreign ministry in response to a call on Tuesday.

The foreign ministry summoned the Indian high commissioner against the backdrop of a violent attack at the assistant high commission of Bangladesh at Agartala in India on the previous day. He appeared at the ministry around 4:00 pm.

In this regard, Pranay Verma said, “We really want to build a constructive and stable relationship. There are so many things. There is interdependence. And we want to build on that interdependency for our mutual benefit. We will keep ensuring our cooperation to benefit our two countries. There is a lot of positive development.”

Meanwhile, the interim government has halted consular services at the vandalised assistant high commission in Agartala.

On Monday, the Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala of northeast state of Tripura came under attack.

In an immediate reaction, the foreign ministry issued a statement and noted that the government deeply resents the violent demonstration and attack by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala.

The accounts conclusively attest that the protesters were allowed to aggress into the premises, by breaking down the main gate of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in a pre-planned manner.

The statement further noted that in the presence of the members of the local law enforcement agencies, they vandalised the flag pole, desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh and also damaged properties inside the Assistant High Commission.

Regrettably, the local police persons present in charge of protecting the premises were found not to be active in containing the situation from the beginning. All members of the assistant high commission were left with a deep sense of insecurity, it added.

The statement also underlined that this heinous attack on a diplomatic mission of Bangladesh and desecration of the national flag of Bangladesh comes in a pattern, further to a similar violent demonstration in Kolkata on 28 November 2024.​

 

[Saif]

Attack on Bangladesh mission in India pre-planned: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has termed the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission ‘pre-planned.’

en.prothomalo.com

Attack on Bangladesh mission in India pre-planned: Mirza Fakhrul
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 03 Dec 2024, 23: 11

Mirza Fakhrul Islam AlamgirFile photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has termed the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala of Tripura ‘pre-planned.’

He told the government and the people of India, “The use of hate towards Bangladesh as part of your internal politics will create tension on the bilateral relations of both countries in the long run.”

He alerted on this issue and hoped Indian people would be respectful to the desire of the citizens of new Bangladesh.

He made the remarks in a statement sent to media on Tuesday. Mirza Fakhrul also condemned the attack of the rowdy mob on the diplomatic facility in Agartala.

The BNP leader said, “It can be assumed that the attack carried out by the members of ‘Hindu Sangharsh Samity’ on the Assistant High Commission premises was pre-planned. The torching of the national flag and vandalising of the properties at the high commission clearly violate the Vienna Convention”

Mirza Fakhrul hoped India would extradite the fascist Awami League’s leaders currently staying in the country to assist in their trial.

The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in India’s Agartala came under attack by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on its premises on Monday on the allegation of torture on the Hindu community in Bangladesh.​

 

[Vsdoc]

More n more the berries are openly visible now.

@Guru Dutt @Krishna with Flute @Bagheera0084

@Lulldapull what is the technical name of that berry seen on the forehead of highly devout Muslims? From hitting their forehead on stone.

@Dogun18