What Happened Outside the Indian Mission in Chittagong?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Violence erupted outside the Indian mission in Chittagong.
- Four individuals were injured, including police officers.
- The unrest followed the death of a radical group spokesperson.
- Protesters caused damage to the Indian mission's premises.
- Police detained several individuals at the scene.
- India expressed serious concerns about security in Bangladesh.
Dhaka, Dec 19 (NationPress) On Friday, unrest broke out near the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong, Bangladesh, resulting in at least four injuries, including two police officers.
The conflict arose following the reported death of Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson for the radical group Inqilab Mancha, according to local media.
Protesters assembled outside the Indian mission's office in the Khulshi area, throwing bricks and causing damage to the premises early on Friday morning.
Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz noted that a police response led to a chase between law enforcement and demonstrators. The injured were subsequently transported to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Aziz mentioned that individuals were detained at the scene and are anticipated to face charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, as reported by the Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to express strong concerns regarding the escalating security situation in Bangladesh.
The MEA specifically referenced the activities of extremist factions who have threatened to create unrest around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
India categorically dismissed the misleading narrative propagated by these extremist groups concerning recent events in Bangladesh.
The MEA also raised concerns that the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government has not conducted an adequate investigation or provided substantial evidence to India regarding these incidents.
India urged the Yunus-led interim government to uphold its diplomatic responsibilities by ensuring the safety of Indian missions and personnel in Bangladesh.
In a separate incident in Chittagong, during protests over Hadi’s death, demonstrators set fire to a residence belonging to former Awami League Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel.
This incident took place on Thursday night in the Chashmahill area, where frustrated protestors also ignited a motorcycle inside the home, which belonged to former Chittagong mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury.
Confirming the events, Officer-in-Charge of Panchlaish Police Station, Md Solaiman, reported that approximately 200 protesters gathered in the Soloshahar and No 2 Gate areas of Chittagong to protest Hadi’s death.
“They later marched to Mayor Goli and set fire to a motorcycle at the residence of former education minister and Awami League leader Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel. Police were present and attempted to manage the situation,” Bangladeshi media outlet UNB quoted the police official as saying.
Bangladesh is experiencing a worrying surge in violence and a declining law and order situation under the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government.