New Delhi : India on Sunday rejected what it described as “misleading propaganda” in sections of the Bangladesh media regarding a reported demonstration outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, saying the protest was peaceful, brief, and did not pose any security threat.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a small group of 20–25 youths had gathered outside the High Commission on December 20 to protest the killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh and to demand protection for minorities in the neighbouring country.
“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,” Jaiswal said.
He clarified that there was no attempt by the protesters to breach the security fence or create any law-and-order situation. “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,” he said, adding that visual evidence of the incident is publicly available.
Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to the safety of foreign diplomatic missions. “India is committed to ensure the safety of foreign Missions/Posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention,” he saidINDIA
RAISES CONCERNS WITH BANGLADESH
The MEA spokesperson said India is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh and remains in touch with the authorities there. “Our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities,” he said.
India has also urged Dhaka to ensure accountability in the killing of Dipu Chandra Das. “We have urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice,” Jaiswal added.
10 ARRESTED IN LYNCHING CASE
The statement comes amid developments in Bangladesh, where authorities said 10 people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment factory worker, in Mymensingh district.
The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) had arrested seven suspects following coordinated operations. Three more accused were later arrested by the police.
According to Bangladeshi authorities, the incident occurred after a mob accused Das of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. He was allegedly attacked around 9 pm, beaten to death, tied to a tree, and his body set on fire. Police later reached the spot, brought the situation under control, and recovered the body.
The interim government in Bangladesh has condemned the lynching, describing mob violence as unacceptable in the “New Bangladesh.” It has assured that those involved in the killing will not be spared and will face action under the law.
The incident and the subsequent protest in New Delhi have drawn attention to concerns over minority safety in Bangladesh, an issue India said it continues to raise with Dhaka through diplomatic channels.
