Summary:
- The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala was attacked by members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, who vandalized the premises and desecrated the Bangladeshi flag.
- In response to the security breach, seven individuals were arrested, and three police officers were suspended for negligence in handling the situation.
- The Government of Bangladesh condemned the attack as a violation of international law and called on India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions.
- India described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and has pledged to enhance security measures for Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities within its borders.
In a significant diplomatic incident, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, was attacked on Monday, December 2, 2024, by protesters associated with the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti. The attack involved vandalism and the removal of the Bangladeshi national flag, prompting a strong response from both Bangladesh and India.
The protest was reportedly sparked by grievances over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh and alleged persecution of minorities there. Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters breached security barriers, entered the premises, and caused damage to property. In response to these events, the Tripura government suspended three police officers for negligence, while seven individuals were arrested in connection with the attack. The arrested individuals include Jhutan Das, Ujjwal Das, Diptanil Bhowmik, Surja Das, Jhulan Malakar, Pradip Saha, and Alak Majumder.
The incident has escalated diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India described the breach as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that diplomatic properties should never be targeted. The MEA assured that security measures at Bangladeshi missions in India would be enhanced to prevent further incidents.
Bangladesh’s interim government condemned the attack as premeditated and called for a thorough investigation. A statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the failure of local law enforcement to protect the mission’s premises and demanded immediate action from the Indian government to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions and personnel.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also condemned the violence, stating that while peaceful protests are permissible, such acts of vandalism are unacceptable. Additional security forces have been deployed around the Assistant High Commission in Agartala to maintain peace and prevent any further disturbances.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions related to minority rights in Bangladesh and highlights the sensitive nature of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. Both nations are now working to address these issues diplomatically while ensuring enhanced security for their respective missions.
Source: Daily Inqilab
