Summary:
- Three BNP-affiliated organizations—Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—announced a long march from Dhaka to the Akhaura border on December 11 to protest the attack on Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commission in Agartala.
- The march aims to submit a memorandum addressing the desecration of Bangladesh’s national flag, alleged conspiracies to incite communal unrest, and Indian interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
- Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna criticized Indian authorities for failing to protect diplomats under the Vienna Convention and accused them of spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh.
- Earlier, on December 8, the organizations held a protest march toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and submitted a memorandum demanding accountability for the Agartala attack.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) three affiliate organizations—Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—have announced a long march from Dhaka to the Akhaura border near Agartala, India, scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024. This protest is in response to a recent attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala and other related incidents.
During a press conference held at the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan on Monday, December 9, Jubo Dal President Monayem Munna outlined the objectives of the march. He stated that it aims to submit a memorandum protesting the desecration of Bangladesh’s national flag in Kolkata, alleged conspiracies to incite communal unrest, and perceived failures by Indian authorities to protect Bangladeshi diplomats as mandated by the Vienna Convention. Munna emphasized that such attacks are viewed as assaults on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence. “We see violent attacks on Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions as an attack on the country’s independence and sovereignty,” he remarked.
The long march will commence at 8:00 AM from Nayapaltan and conclude at the Akhaura border in Brahmanbaria. Munna called upon students, youth, and volunteers from all walks of life in Bangladesh to join the demonstration. Leaders of Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal—including Nurul Islam Nayan, SM Jilani, and Rakibul Islam Rakib—were also present at the press briefing.
This announcement follows heightened tensions between Bangladesh and India after recent diplomatic incidents. On December 3, protesters attacked the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala, vandalizing property and desecrating the national flag. The attack was reportedly linked to unrest over the arrest of Hindu activist Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh. In response, Bangladesh summoned India’s top envoy and temporarily suspended visa services at its Agartala office.
Munna criticized Indian authorities for their handling of these events, accusing them of failing to uphold diplomatic protections and engaging in unwarranted interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. He also condemned Indian media for spreading what he described as “false propaganda” against Bangladesh. “The Indian government has completely failed to protect diplomats as required by the Vienna Convention,” he asserted.
The long march is part of a broader series of protests by BNP-affiliated groups. On December 8, they organized a demonstration toward the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, where thousands participated before police intervened near Rampura Bridge. A six-member delegation later submitted a memorandum to the High Commission demanding action against the Agartala attack and other grievances.
This development comes amidst strained relations between India and Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this year. Hasina fled to India after her government was toppled by mass protests alleging autocratic rule. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has sought her extradition while addressing domestic challenges.
As tensions persist, Wednesday’s long march underscores growing discontent over diplomatic issues and perceived external interference. Organizers have pledged a peaceful demonstration but remain firm in their demands for accountability and respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
Source: The Daily Star
