NEW DELHI: India on Sunday rejected reports of the Bangladesh media as “misleading propaganda” over a protest that took place outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi following the “horrendous killing” of Dipu Chandra Das, a member of the minority community, in Mymensingh. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said that India is closely monitoring the situation in the neighboring country and has voiced strong concerns over the continuing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.The MEA also clarified that the small group that gathered outside the high commission of Bangladesh was dispersed by police shortly after.In an official statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have noted misleading propaganda in sections of the Bangladesh media on the incident. The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on 20 December and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh. There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is publicly available for all to see. India is committed to ensure the safety of foreign Missions/Posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention.”The MEA added, “India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh. Our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice.”Security was heightened outside the Bangladesh High Commission even as widespread violence spread across Bangladesh following the death of Osman Hadi and the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das.
Bangladesh unrest
Widespread unrest swept across Bangladesh earlier this week following the death of key student activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Large groups of protesters surged through Dhaka and several other cities as anger mounted.Hadi, the spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha, succumbed to injuries after an assassination attempt in Dhaka, according to an official statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs in Singapore. His death triggered massive uproar, with interim leader Muhammad Yunus vowing justice and “no leniency” for those responsible.Amid this rising turmoil, a Hindu youth, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy, and his body was set on fire on Friday. The brutal killing drew strong outrage and condemnation in India, leading to protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
