TDS Desk

Bangladeshi missions in India have become targets of certain groups from the Hindu community in India.

Recently, a petition was submitted at the Bangladesh Mission in Mumbai by some members of the Hindu community, based on allegations of persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Following this, during an attempt to submit a petition at the Kolkata Mission last week, a group approached the mission’s boundary wall.

The most concerning incident occurred on Monday in Agartala, Tripura, where a group of extremists entered the premises of the Bangladesh Mission during a petition submission and caused damage to the embassy.

Former diplomats see this as a significant obstacle to advancing bilateral relations and believe it raises questions about whether India’s interests are being served.

A former diplomat explained that the close ties between the Awami League government and the Indian authorities are well-known. “However, the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5 has altered the chemistry of the two countries’ relations. Negative propaganda against Bangladesh has been observed across the Indian government, media, and civil society.”

He suggested that this shift may stem from Indian frustration. “Despite their extensive support to Sheikh Hasina’s government, they couldn’t keep her in power, which could be a source of resentment. Additionally, India’s domestic politics might also be a factor, as anti-Bangladesh rhetoric can provide political leverage.”

Another diplomat noted that statements made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about Bangladesh were likely aimed at internal politics, as they appear calculated to win over Hindus in West Bengal by speaking in favor of Hindus in Bangladesh.

On December 2, a group of extremists entered the Bangladesh Mission in Tripura under the pretext of submitting a petition regarding alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. The group caused damage to the premises before police could intervene.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement from Delhi, calling the incident “deeply regrettable.”

They emphasized that diplomatic and consular properties must not be targeted under any circumstances and assured that security measures at all Bangladeshi missions in India are being strengthened.

POTENTIAL THREATS TO OTHER MISSIONS

In addition to the embassy in Delhi, Bangladesh has deputy and assistant high commissions in Tripura, Assam, Mumbai, and Chennai. Three of these missions have already been targeted.

A former diplomat said that the likelihood of a petition being submitted at the Chennai mission is low due to the relatively weaker influence of Hindutva ideology in South India. “ The BJP or Hindutva’s impact is minimal in the South, as evidenced by their securing only one seat in the last general election.”

When asked whether the Bangladesh embassy in Delhi might become a target, he replied: “It’s hard to predict what extremists might do.”

Another former diplomat said: “It is unclear what India gains by using politicians, extremist Hindus and the media to conduct anti-Bangladesh campaigns.”

He added: “Both sides are losing out due to such propaganda. Bilateral relations cannot improve if this continues. The sooner Indians realize this, the better it will be for regional peace.”