Tensions flared outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday as hundreds of members from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and other Hindu organisations staged a protest over the lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district last week.
Security was visibly tight in the area ahead of the demonstration, with three layers of barricades set up along San Martín Marg and around 15,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed to maintain order. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were also stationed strategically to block protesters’ movement.
Despite the heightened security, demonstrators pushed past the initial barricade, chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Yunus Sarkar Hosh me Aao”, and “Hindu Hatiya Band Karo.” Some carried banners reading “Hindu rakt ki ek ek boond ka hisaab chahiye (each drop of a Hindu’s blood must be accounted for),” while others burned effigies of Bangladesh’s interim chief, Muhammad Yunus.
A protester said, “A Hindu man was brutally assaulted and killed. We are requesting our government to take strict action against those who are behind the killing. We are also protesting that even the Bangladesh Police must take strict action against those who are behind the killing.” Another remarked, “Hindus are being killed (in Bangladesh). This (India) is the land of Ram and Krishna. We don’t kill anyone, but our sisters and daughters are raped there.”
Protest Took Place Over Dipu Chandra Das DEath in B’desh
The lynching of Dipu Chandra Das occurred on December 18, when the 25-year-old garment factory worker was accused of blasphemy. Reports say he was forced to resign by his supervisors, handed over to a mob, brutally attacked, and then killed. His body was reportedly hung along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway and set on fire. Twelve people have been arrested in connection with the killing.
VHP leaders urged protesters to remain disciplined and not escalate the situation, while police managed to hold the crowd about 800 metres from the High Commission after barricades were toppled.
Bangladesh strongly condemned the protest and summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka said, “Bangladesh condemns such acts of premeditated violence or intimidation against diplomatic establishments, which not only endanger the safety of diplomatic personnel but also undermine the principles of mutual respect and values of peace and tolerance.” The Ministry asked India to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions.
Similar demonstrations were reported in Kolkata, prompting increased security at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission there. In Dhaka, armed police and armoured vehicles were deployed outside the Indian High Commission to safeguard the mission.
The protests have intensified scrutiny on the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, drawing regional attention and raising concerns over law and order. Authorities in both countries continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further escalation.
