Authorities deploy 1500-strong police force near the Bangladesh Embassy
Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal protesters clash with police outside the embassy. PICS/PTI
Holding saffron flags and shouting slogans against the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, hundreds of supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal broke barricades and clashed with police near the fortified Bangladesh High Commission on Tuesday.
The high security area witnessed a beefed-up police presence in the morning ahead of the protest announced by the Hindu groups. An officer said a 1500-strong police force was deployed ahead of the demonstration. He said police managed to hold the protesters about 800 metres from the high commission. DTC buses were parked as an obstacle to thwart the protesters’ bid to reach the high commission.
Protesters slam Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus
A sea of banners and placards bobbed in the air, reading denunciatory messages against the Bangladesh government. A placard read: “Hindu rakt ki ek ek boond ka hisaab chahiye (Each drop of blood of a Hindu must be accounted for).”
On December 18, Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old garment factory worker, was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire over blasphemy in Baluka in Mymensingh. According to the police, Das was first beaten by a mob outside the factory and then hanged from a tree. The crowd left the body by the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and later set it on fire.
Angry protesters accused the Bangladesh authorities of failing to protect minorities and demanded strong diplomatic steps by India to ensure the safety of Hindus living in the neighbouring country.
Bangladesh summons Indian envoy
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma amid concerns over the security of Bangladeshi missions in India. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned the Indian High Commissioner and the Deputy High Commissioner was also present at the time, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
According to Foreign Ministry sources, Verma was summoned due to the emerging security situation surrounding Bangladesh missions in various parts of India. He was requested to strengthen security at Bangladesh missions across various locations in India, the report added.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following that meeting said that India’s cooperation was sought to prevent the attackers who assaulted Inquilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman Hadi from fleeing to India, the report added. Bangladesh requested that if the accused manages to enter Indian territory, they be immediately arrested and extradited to Bangladesh.
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