India Responds to Bangladeshi Media Claims Amid Protests Over Minority Violence
India's Stance on Recent Protests
New Delhi: On Sunday, India criticized what it termed as 'misleading propaganda' from Bangladeshi media regarding protests that took place outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in New Delhi. The Indian government reiterated its dedication to safeguarding foreign missions within its borders.
This statement followed protests that erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission, where demonstrators were calling for accountability concerning the increasing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Authorities in New Delhi reported that police quickly dispersed the protesters gathered outside the mission.
In response to inquiries about the demonstration, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated that a small group of 20-25 individuals had assembled outside the High Commission, voicing their concerns over the murder of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh and advocating for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh.
"We have observed misleading narratives in certain sections of the Bangladeshi media regarding this incident. The reality is that a small group gathered on December 20 to protest the horrific killing of Dipu Chandra Das while also calling for the safeguarding of all minorities in Bangladesh," the MEA stated.
"At no point was there an attempt to breach security or create a disturbance. The police present at the scene dispersed the group shortly after their arrival. Visual evidence of the events is publicly accessible. India remains committed to ensuring the safety of foreign missions in accordance with the Vienna Convention," the Ministry added.
The MEA also emphasized that India is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and has expressed serious concerns to Bangladeshi officials regarding the violence against minorities.
"We are keeping a vigilant eye on the evolving circumstances in Bangladesh. Our officials are in contact with Bangladeshi authorities, expressing our strong concerns regarding the attacks on minorities. We have urged that those responsible for the brutal killing of Das be brought to justice," the MEA concluded.
On December 18, a young Hindu man was reportedly killed in a mob lynching in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district, following allegations of insulting Islam, with his body subsequently set on fire, according to local media.
This incident heightened tensions in the region, leading to a temporary disruption of traffic on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
The violence occurred at the Pioneer Knit Composite Factory in the Square Masterbari area of the upazila.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, was a factory worker and a resident of Tarakanda upazila in Mymensingh.
Local media outlet Barta Bazar reported that Dipu was accused of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad during a factory event celebrating World Arabic Language Day.
The allegations quickly spread, inciting tension within the factory and surrounding areas. He was subsequently attacked by an enraged mob and reportedly died on the spot.
Following his death, the situation escalated, with the crowd taking his body to the Square Masterbari bus stand, tying it to a tree, beating it, and later setting it ablaze.
The mob then moved the body to the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, igniting it again, which disrupted traffic and caused panic among local residents.
Bhaluka Upazila Executive Officer, Md. Firoz Hossain, confirmed that a person was killed over allegations of insulting the Prophet, adding that the deceased's body is currently in police custody.
However, later reports indicated that officials found no evidence supporting the claims that Das made any insulting remarks, and neither did local residents or factory workers corroborate the allegations.
Bangladesh has seen a rise in violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, under the interim government led by Yunus, prompting outrage among citizens and various human rights organizations worldwide.