Protests Erupt in Dhaka Amid Security Concerns for Indian Mission
Protests Against Indian Influence in Dhaka
Dhaka, Dec 18: A significant number of demonstrators attempted to march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday but were halted by police. This comes as India voiced serious concerns regarding the security conditions surrounding its diplomatic mission in the Bangladeshi capital.
The protesters, organized under the name ‘July Oikya’ (July Unity), were vocalizing anti-India sentiments and making various demands, including the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others who left the country during the July uprising last year.
According to a police spokesperson, the march commenced from Rampura Bridge, near Hossain Market in North Badda, where the Indian mission is situated. The police intervened to stop the procession.
Traffic on the main road adjacent to the diplomatic area, which houses numerous foreign embassies, was disrupted for several hours, as reported by the police.
Local media indicated that as the protesters advanced, police set up a barricade. Although they managed to breach the initial barrier, they encountered a more robust blockade, prompting them to chant slogans against India and demand Hasina's extradition.
One protester stated, “We are not afraid and will not attack the Indian High Commission... However, anyone attempting to exert hegemonic control over Bangladesh will face consequences,” as reported by a private news agency.
The demonstrators accused “Indian proxy political parties, media, and government officials” of plotting against Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina fled to India following a violent student-led protest, known as the ‘July Uprising’, which led to her Awami League government being ousted on August 5, 2024.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, after facing police resistance, the protesters sat down on the road in front of Hossain Market, continuing their chants. The ‘July Unity’, a coalition of various organizations linked to the July Uprising, concluded their march around 5 PM, as reported by Prothom Alo.
In light of the current security concerns, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka has temporarily closed its operations.
In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Bangladeshi envoy Riaz Hamidullah to express its strong concerns regarding extremist groups planning to create a security crisis around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
New Delhi also conveyed its worries about the worsening security situation in Bangladesh and reiterated the need for free, fair, and credible parliamentary elections. They expect the interim government to uphold the safety of diplomatic missions in accordance with its international obligations.
In response, Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain stated that Dhaka does not require “advice” from neighboring countries on conducting elections.
Bangladesh is set to hold general elections on February 12, marking the first election since Hasina's removal.
Hossain criticized India's silence during the “farcical elections” that occurred under Hasina's rule, stating, “Now that we are approaching a legitimate election, unsolicited advice is suddenly being offered. I find this entirely unacceptable.”