Outrage as Indian Rioters Attack Bangladesh Diplomatic Mission
Tensions flared between India and Bangladesh this week after a mob attacked the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in the Indian state of Tripura. The attack, which occurred on December 2nd, involved a group of rioters smashing through the commission’s gate, damaging property, and even desecrating the Bangladeshi national flag, all under the purported observation of local law enforcement.
The Bangladeshi government, understandably outraged, summoned India’s ambassador, Prannoy Verma, to the Ministry of External Affairs in Dhaka on December 3rd to formally lodge a complaint. Acting Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah personally led the meeting, expressing deep concern over the incident and demanding immediate action from the Indian government.
"It is the responsibility of local governments to protect diplomatic missions from any harassment or vandalism," the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated in an official release. "The Government of Bangladesh has urged the Government of India to take immediate steps to combat the incident." They emphasized that this unchecked violence represents a dangerous trend, citing a similar incident in Kolkata just days earlier on November 28th.
The horror of the Tripura attack was not lost on Bangladeshi authorities, who pointed out in their release, "This violent attack on the Bangladesh diplomatic mission and destruction of the Bangladesh national flag set a pattern of similar violent protests in Kolkata on November 28, 2024."
The Bangladeshi government is now demanding a thorough investigation into Monday’s incident by Indian authorities not only to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable but also to prevent future occurrences. The protection of Bangladeshi diplomats and their families working within India is a top priority.
Adding to the gravity of the situation is the perceived lack of intervention by local police during the attack. “It was discovered that the local police who were in charge of protecting the building were not active in controlling the situation from the beginning,” the ministry’s statement revealed.
The attack sparked fear and insecurity amongst the staff at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, raising serious questions about the safety of diplomatic personnel in India.
This incident throws a dark shadow over Indo-Bangladesh relations, highlighting the urgent need for both governments to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions and personnel on their respective soils.
