July Oikya on Thursday demanded an apology from India within 72 hours over a remark describing former army officers and July fighters as an “extremist group,” calling it evidence of India’s “bankruptcy.”
The platform warned that if India did not respond, they will march to the Foreign Ministry and submit a memorandum on December 23.
AB Zubair, social welfare secretary of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu), read the written statement at a press conference held at Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University at 4pm
According to the statement: “July Oikya’s democratic and peaceful movement has been labeled as an ‘extremist group,’ which is proof of India’s bankruptcy. July Oikya, comprising over a hundred social, cultural, and political fronts that embody the spirit of July, believes this is a direct violation of diplomatic norms and an assault on democracy and human rights.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah in New Delhi, expressing concern over the “deteriorating security environment” in Bangladesh. Attention was particularly drawn to activities of “some extremist elements” who had announced plans to “create a security situation” by surrounding the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
As part of the “March to Indian Embassy” program, leaders and activists of July Oikya—representing a united front embodying the spirit of the July 24 mass uprising—held a brief rally on Middle Badda Road on Wednesday afternoon. Traffic, which had been blocked for nearly an hour, resumed around 4:45pm after the protesters dispersed.
Zubair also announced that in protest against India’s comment labeling patriotic former army officers, July fighters, and citizens as an “extremist group,” July Oikya will hold protest rallies in three divisions—Chittagong, Barisal, and Sylhet—on Friday.
