Protest Erupts Outside Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, Police Use Batons to Restore Order

A protest erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission in India’s capital, New Delhi, as activists of Hindu nationalist organizations Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered and demonstrated. Police resorted to baton charges to disperse the protesters after they attempted to break through barricades and enter the High Commission premises.

The protest began on Tuesday (December 23), with more than a hundred people assembling in front of the High Commission. According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the situation turned tense after the protesters breached police barricades. However, additional police and security personnel were deployed promptly and managed to bring the situation under control.

Authorities enforced a three-tier security arrangement around the Bangladesh High Commission. Alongside local police, paramilitary forces were also deployed to ensure the safety of the diplomatic mission.

The protesters reportedly expressed anger over the killing of a youth named Dipu Das in Bhaluka of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh, citing the incident as the main reason behind their demonstration.

Meanwhile, amid growing concerns over the security of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. On Tuesday at around 9:40 am, Verma visited the office of Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and left after approximately five minutes.

Earlier, on December 14, the Indian High Commissioner had also been summoned, when Bangladesh conveyed its concerns over remarks made by ousted Indian Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and sought cooperation regarding several attackers who had reportedly fled to India.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka said the Indian High Commissioner was clearly informed about Bangladesh’s concerns regarding the safety and security of Bangladeshi diplomats and missions in New Delhi, Kolkata, and other parts of India.