India on Monday expressed its deep regret over the breach of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission’s premises in Agartala by a group of protesters. The protest was sparked by the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, stressing that consular properties should never be targeted under any circumstances and announced measures to enhance security at Bangladeshi missions across India.
The breach occurred amid a massive rally in the capital city of Tripura, where thousands gathered to protest against Das’s arrest and ongoing attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. “The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable,” said the MEA.
Reports indicate that over 50 protesters entered the mission’s premises in Agartala, causing concern among officials. The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has lodged a formal protest regarding the incident. In response, the MEA confirmed that security arrangements are being strengthened at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi as well as other Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in India.
Our statement on breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala ⬇️https://t.co/hVVB0SITQn pic.twitter.com/li8TtmwfS8
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 2, 2024
Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances, the MEA reiterated. The government has vowed to take additional steps to ensure the safety of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions.
ALSO READ | India Urges ‘Just, Fair, Transparent’ Legal Process For Monk Chinmoy Das
India ‘Concerned’ At Surge Of Extremist Rhetoric, Increasing Incidents Of Violence And Provocation In Bangladesh: MEA
This incident follows India’s earlier statements on the situation in Bangladesh. On Friday, the MEA had expressed serious concerns over the rising extremist rhetoric and violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. Our position on the matter is clear – the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities.”
He added, “We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration.”
Das, who was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport last week, faces charges of sedition. India has urged that his case be handled in a fair and transparent manner.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have become tense in recent months, particularly after the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August. India has repeatedly raised concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus.
