Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Suspends Services After Mob Vandalism
Protest Against Chinmoy Prabhu’s Arrest Turns Violent in Agartala
On December 2, 2024, protests in Agartala against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Prabhu in Bangladesh escalated into violence. A mob stormed the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission’s premises, breaching security barricades, vandalizing the property, and removing the national flag.
The protests were sparked by the controversial arrest of Chinmoy Prabhu, which has gained significant attention in both Bangladesh and India. Seven individuals were arrested for their involvement in the mob attack, and three police officers stationed at the mission were suspended for not adequately responding to the situation.
Bangladesh Government Demands Immediate Investigation
Following the incident, Bangladesh condemned the attack as a violation of international diplomatic norms. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh issued a statement calling for a thorough investigation and immediate action from India. The statement emphasized that such an attack on a diplomatic mission is in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
This breach follows a similar protest outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata on November 28, raising concerns about the safety of Bangladesh’s diplomatic staff in India.
Diplomatic Relations on Edge After Violent Protest
The violent protest and subsequent suspension of services have put a strain on diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government expressed deep concerns over the attack’s impact on bilateral relations and the safety of its diplomatic staff.
The suspension of visa and consular services is expected to disrupt normal diplomatic activities between the two nations, affecting travel, trade, and consular support for citizens. This move highlights the growing tensions between the two countries over sensitive issues.
India Vows to Tighten Security Around Foreign Missions
In response to the breach, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident and assured Bangladesh that steps would be taken to enhance the security of all diplomatic missions in the country. Increased security measures have already been implemented around the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and other consular offices in India.
The Indian government has also pledged to investigate the actions of the police personnel involved in the security lapse. While the government is committed to ensuring diplomatic safety, the incident has raised concerns about India’s ability to protect foreign missions from violent protests.
The attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by diplomatic missions in volatile political climates. Both India and Bangladesh are focused on resolving the issue, but the suspension of services and the strain on diplomatic relations could have long-term consequences for both nations. The need for enhanced security measures and better management of protests against foreign missions has never been more pressing.
