Reports emerged of demonstrations outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in New Delhi as people gathered to protest against the lynching of a Hindu in Bangladesh. There was visibly tightened security detail at the Bangladeshi High Commission due to the protests. It should be noted that the protests included people from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.
The protests have been triggered by the brutal murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old factory worker at a garments factory in Mymensingh district. Dipu was beaten to death by a mob accused of blasphemy. His death has triggered protests both in Bangladesh and in India.
Protestors in Delhi waved banners and chanted slogans for protection of minorities and also appealed to the government in Dhaka to bring perpetrators to book. "We are protesting against the death of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh and appeal to the government for protection for minorities," said a protester.As a result of the unrest, the authorities heightened security around the High Commission. The police and paramilitary forces set up a series of barricades around the crowd. Although this was done, some protesters managed to break through the barriers as there were tense scenes around the entrances of the mission.
This incident has caused some diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh. According to Dhaka’s Foreign Ministry, “This incident in the High Commission of Bangladesh in India is highly regrettable. The protesters are allowed to assemble close to the High Commission without any prior notice, creating apprehension about the security of our officials and members of staff.” Bangladesh asked India to take adequate measures to protect its missions and properties in that country.
At the same time, the Indian MEA refuted claims, found to be present in Bangladeshi media, that the Indian embassy had been violated. Rather, around 20 to 25 young people gathered and chanted slogans, though the group made neither an attempt to breach the security nor pose a threat before the police broke up the assembly. It once again called for justice for Das and the need to protect minorities in Bangladeshi territory. “The protests symbolize the mounting dissatisfaction among the people in India concerning reports of communal violence in several neighboring nations, even as official dealings attempt to mitigate the situations and maintain appropriate global protocol in regard to the establishments abroad,” said Rajib Chandra.
