Protests Across Indian Cities Over Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh; Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
India Summons Bangladesh High Commissioner Amid Protests Over Violence Against Hindus: Protests erupted across several Indian cities on Tuesday condemning incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, following the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh. The demonstrations, held near Bangladeshi diplomatic missions and public spaces, have led to heightened security measures and a diplomatic exchange between New Delhi and Dhaka.
The protests were triggered by the murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu youth, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Mymensingh on December 18 over accusations of blasphemy. According to reports, his body was later set on fire, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Amid the growing unrest, India summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah on Tuesday, ANI reported. This move followed Bangladesh’s decision to summon Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to convey “serious concerns” regarding the security of its diplomatic missions in India after protests near Bangladeshi embassies escalated.
In Kolkata, members of Bangiya Hindu Jagran and other Hindu organizations gathered near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission to protest the alleged atrocities and submit a memorandum. Police said the situation deteriorated as the crowd swelled, forcing them to resort to a lathicharge to maintain law and order.
Similar demonstrations were reported in Mumbai and New Delhi, where members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindu groups were detained by police. In the national capital, protesters attempted to breach barricades near the Bangladesh High Commission, prompting heavy security deployment. Slogans were raised as demonstrators were escorted into police vehicles.
In Hyderabad’s Kothapet area, several Hindu organizations led by the VHP held protests condemning violence against minorities in Bangladesh. VHP national spokesperson Shashidhar warned that the agitation would intensify if concrete steps were not taken, while also raising concerns about alleged illegal immigration and security issues.
Anger during the protests was also directed at Bangladesh’s interim government. Demonstrators burned effigies of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and the Bangladeshi national flag at multiple locations, raising slogans against the Dhaka administration.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services in New Delhi and Agartala. The developments come amid reports of violence in Bangladesh following the murder of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, further adding to tensions between the two neighboring countries.
