Bangladesh Mission in Agartala Halts Visa and Consular Operations
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Agartala, Dec 3 (NationPress) A day after a security breach occurred at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission (AHC) office in Agartala, officials reported that the mission of the neighboring country has suspended all visa and consular services indefinitely.
The head of mission and First Secretary of the Bangladesh AHC issued a notice stating: “In light of the security situation, all visa and consular operations at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Agartala will be halted until further notice. This suspension is effective immediately.”
A senior police officer revealed that following the incident on Monday, a significant increase in security personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and Tripura police has been deployed around the Bangladesh AHC office located on the outskirts of Agartala.
According to the official, Deputy Inspector General of Police Avula Ramesh Reddy is closely monitoring the security measures at the Bangladesh AHC office.
Additionally, police have enforced restrictions on protests and demonstrations in the capital against the reported atrocities in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, West Tripura District Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar K has suspended three Sub-Inspectors -- Dilu Jamatia, Debabrata Sinha, and Joynal Hossain -- and Assistant Commandant (a DSP rank officer) Kanti Nath Ghosh was withdrawn from his position due to their failure to act appropriately during the protests concerning the atrocities against Hindus in the neighboring nation.
The official mentioned that during the protest, a delegation from the 'Hindu Sangharsh Samiti' met with AHC officials, submitting a memorandum urging the caretaker government of Bangladesh to cease the violence against the Hindu community and ensure their safety.
During this protest, several activists unlawfully entered the AHC premises and reportedly desecrated the Bangladesh National flag, prompting police to expel the protesters immediately.
“Following overnight operations in various locations, police apprehended seven individuals in connection with the security breach at the Bangladesh AHC office,” the official informed IANS, adding that decisions regarding their arrest would follow an initial inquiry into their roles in the incident.
The state government has initiated an inquiry into Monday's events, and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Southern Range will lead the investigation.
Shortly after the breach, Director General of Police (Intelligence) Anurag and Deputy Inspector General (Intelligence and Southern Range) Krishnendu Chakraborty visited the AHC office and spoke with mission officials.
The DG (Intelligence) and DIG (Intelligence) assured AHC officials that comprehensive security measures would be implemented for the mission.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the breach of security at the Bangladesh AHC office during the protests.
In social media remarks, the Chief Minister stated that many gathered at the Gandhi statue in Agartala to peacefully protest against the severe attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, but some youths attempted to breach the AHC office. He condemned this incident, emphasizing that while peaceful protests are acceptable, such behavior is utterly unacceptable.
In parallel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement in Delhi on Monday, indicating that security measures have been intensified for the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi and its Deputy and Assistant High Commissions across the country in response to increasing protests against atrocities targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Following a demonstration near the Bangladesh AHC office in Agartala, the MEA quickly highlighted that diplomatic missions should remain untouched under any circumstances.
“The incident on Monday involving the breach of the premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is profoundly regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties must not be targeted under any circumstances. The government is taking steps to enhance security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its Deputy/Assistant High Commissions across the nation,” the MEA statement read.
