In a significant breach of diplomatic security, a group of protesters stormed the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala on Monday, December 2, 2024. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has condemned the incident as “deeply regrettable” and vowed to strengthen security measures at all Bangladeshi missions in the country.
The demonstration, organized by the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, was a response to the 25 November arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent community leader in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Protesters entered the diplomatic premises, pulled down Bangladesh’s national flag, and caused damage before being removed by security personnel.
In an official statement, the MEA expressed regret over the events in Agartala, emphasizing the inviolability of diplomatic premises. “The incident of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. The government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country,” the statement read.
The MEA also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all diplomatic personnel and properties in India.
The demonstration in Agartala followed weeks of rising tensions over the detention of Das, who was accused of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during an October rally. His arrest led to his court appearance, where he was denied bail and placed in police custody.
The incident triggered outrage among Hindu activists, who accused the Bangladeshi government of targeting minority Hindus. Members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti gathered near the Assistant High Commission, shouting slogans and demanding Das’s release. Witnesses reported that while their leaders submitted a memorandum inside, others forced their way onto the premises, damaged signage, and removed the flag.
Reacting to the attack, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka expressed its discontent, calling the incident “pre-planned.” The statement read, “Bangladesh deeply resents the violent demonstration and attack. The accounts received conclusively attest that the protesters were allowed to aggress into the premises, by breaking down the main gate of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in a pre-planned manner.”
This breach comes amid heightened sensitivities between India and Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August. The political upheaval in Bangladesh led to deteriorating security conditions, prompting India to evacuate non-essential staff and families from its missions.
In recent months, Indian diplomatic personnel have faced threats in Bangladesh, leading to restricted visa operations and heightened security measures. While India prioritizes issuing medical visas, the unrest has strained bilateral ties further.
Tripura’s government has launched an inquiry into the incident, with Minister and spokesperson Sushanta Chowdhury confirming the investigation. “Security of diplomatic missions is paramount, and we are determined to prevent such incidents in the future,” he stated.
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