Hindutva organizations staged coordinated protests outside Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in India on Tuesday, prompting clashes with police and triggering strong diplomatic protests from Dhaka over what it described as extremist violence against its establishments.
In New Delhi, activists from groups including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and Hindu Jagaran Manch gathered near the Bangladesh High Commission, alleging injustice over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh.
Hundreds of protesters carrying saffron flags broke through multiple police barricades in the high-security diplomatic zone, forcing police to use baton charges to disperse the crowd and detain several demonstrators, according to Indian media reports by PTI and ANI.
Protesters also burned an effigy of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus before police restored order and reinstated barricades.
Similar scenes unfolded in Kolkata, where Hindu Jagaran Manch and Bongiyo Hindu Jagaran organized a march titled Hindu Hunkar Padayatra from Sealdah towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission.
Police intercepted the procession in the Beckbagan area, setting up barricades to prevent it from advancing. Clashes followed as protesters attempted to push through, leading to baton charges.
Demonstrators demanded what they called exemplary punishment for those responsible for Dipu’s killing, insisting that arresting a few suspects would not be enough unless the “real perpetrators” were identified.
In Siliguri, protests led to the temporary closure of the Bangladesh visa service centre on Sevoke Road. Members of Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch surrounded the facility, reportedly vandalizing its signboard, tearing flex banners and blocking the entrance from outside. The protests there were framed as opposition not only to Dipu’s killing but also to what the group claimed was growing oppression of minority Hindus in Bangladesh.
The demonstrations reportedly began on Sunday night and continued into Monday, with organizers issuing demands that included a halt to medical, educational and other facilities for Bangladeshis in India. The groups warned of larger protests if their demands were not met.
Dipu Chandra Das, 28, a garment worker, was beaten to death by a mob in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district on December 18 over allegations of blasphemy. His body was later set on fire, sparking outrage and protests across the border.
Bangladesh on Monday formally conveyed grave concern to the Indian government over what it described as a series of incidents involving extremist elements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said disturbances took place outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the official residence in New Delhi on December 20, followed by vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on December 22.
The ministry summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma and expressed deep concern over violent protests outside Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in India. Dhaka condemned what it termed premeditated acts of violence and intimidation, warning that such actions endangered diplomatic personnel and undermined mutual respect, peace and tolerance.
Calling for a thorough investigation, Bangladesh urged India to take all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to ensure the safety and security of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions and related facilities. The government said it expected India to act immediately in line with its international and diplomatic obligations to safeguard the dignity and security of diplomatic establishments and personnel.
