Unrest in Bangladesh | MEA summons Bangladesh High Commissioner amid security concerns

Several Hindu organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, staged protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding justice for Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man killed over alleged blasphemy in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The demonstration turned tense after protesters clashed with police, leading to the detention of at least 40 people.

“The situation was brought under control. Around 40 people were detained as a preventive measure and later released,” a New Delhi police officer said.

Similar protest attempts were reported in Kolkata, where Hindu activists tried to march towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission but were stopped by security personnel.

The unrest prompted diplomatic action from both sides. Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, while India’s Ministry of External Affairs called in Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah, citing security and diplomatic concerns.

Why violence erupted in Bangladesh

Fresh violence broke out in Bangladesh last week following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in last year’s July uprising against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Hadi died while undergoing treatment in Singapore days after being shot in Dhaka.

Media offices attacked

Amid the unrest, offices of leading Bangladeshi newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were vandalised and set on fire. Several journalists were reportedly trapped inside the buildings for hours before being rescued.

Hindu man killed in Mymensingh

Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker, was killed and his body set on fire in Mymensingh last week, sparking widespread outrage in India over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. Das was allegedly beaten by a mob, dragged out of his factory, and killed over blasphemy allegations. Subsequent reports said the accusations were vague and no evidence of blasphemy was found.

Another leader shot

As violence continued, National Citizen Party leader Mohammad Motaleb Sikder was shot in Khulna on Monday, according to The Daily Star. The bullet reportedly grazed his skull, but the 42-year-old leader is said to be out of danger.

Protests spill into India

Das’s killing triggered protests across India, including demonstrations outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata and outside Bangladesh’s assistant high commission in Tripura by the Tipra Motha Party and other groups. Protesters warned of further agitation, including possible border blockades.

Visa services suspended

Following the protests, Bangladesh suspended visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and at missions in Tripura and Siliguri, citing security concerns.

India reacts, summons Bangladesh envoy

India condemned the killing of Dipu Chandra Das and raised concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. New Delhi also summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah. According to earlier reports, the summons also followed remarks by National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah, who claimed Bangladesh could shelter separatist forces from India and threaten the country’s northeastern states.

UN condemns killing

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence in Bangladesh, including the killing of the Hindu man in Mymensingh. His spokesperson said people belonging to minority communities must feel safe in all countries.

Security tightened in Bangladesh

Security has been increased for at least 20 Bangladeshi political leaders and media professionals amid the unrest. Following the shooting of NCP leader Motaleb Sikder, gunmen protection has been provided to several high-risk individuals, including editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, the Dhaka Tribune reported.