Police halt march demanding Sheikh Hasina's return to Dhaka
Law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh stepped in on Wednesday afternoon to halt a protest march directed at the Indian High Commission in the Gulshan area. The demonstrators were reportedly demanding the return of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other officials who fled the country following the July uprising.
This police action occurred shortly after India expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of its diplomatic mission. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey strong apprehension about threats made against Indian diplomats.
Police Erect Barricades to Stop March
Several hundred individuals, organized under the banner of 'July Oikya,' gathered near Rampura Bridge around 3:15 pm. As the group began advancing towards Uttar Badda, police forces set up barricades to obstruct their path. While the protesters managed to breach the initial blockade, they were effectively stopped by a heavier police presence further down the route.
Unable to move forward, the group staged a sit-in on the road. Witnesses reported that the demonstrators used loudspeakers to address the crowd and chanted slogans such as "Delhi na, Dhaka; Dhaka, Dhaka." Large contingents of security personnel remained deployed along the route to maintain order and prevent any escalation.
India Raises Security Concerns
The backdrop to this protest involves heightened diplomatic friction. India has emphasized the obligation of the interim government in Dhaka to ensure the security of foreign missions. The MEA explicitly stated that it rejects "false narratives" being spread by extremist elements regarding recent events in Bangladesh.
Official statements from India highlighted that the interim government has yet to conduct thorough investigations or share meaningful evidence regarding recent incidents. Reaffirming bilateral ties, the MEA noted that India remains in favor of peace and stability in neighboring Bangladesh but expects credible steps to protect its diplomatic posts.
These developments follow inflammatory rhetoric from local political figures, including National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah, who recently made public threats regarding the 'Seven Sisters' region of India, adding to the security concerns in New Delhi.
