VHP and Bajrang Dal Activists Rally, Break Barricades Against Violence on Minorities in Bangladesh
A major protest erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi after a Hindu man was lynched by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district last week. Demonstrators gathered to condemn the killing and what they see as rising violence against minorities in the neighbouring country.
The protest was led by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, two Hindu organisations. Hundreds of activists took part, chanting slogans, holding banners and demanding justice for the victim and safety for minority communities in Bangladesh.
Demonstrators Break Barricades
Despite heavy security measures, some protesters broke through multiple layers of barricades set up by police and paramilitary forces around the High Commission. The Delhi Police had already deployed a strong force and installed at least three levels of barricades to prevent clashes and maintain order.
Protesters moved closer to the diplomatic mission grounds as they raised slogans and expressed anger at the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old garment worker who was beaten to death and whose body was later set on fire over alleged blasphemy on December 19.
Slogans, Placards and Demands
Those present at the demonstration carried signs and chanted slogans such as:
- “Each drop of Hindu blood must be accounted for.”
- Calls for stronger action to protect Hindus in Bangladesh.
Several protesters also burnt effigies of Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, expressing strong criticism of Dhaka’s handling of the incident.
Security and Police Action
The Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were on alert before the protest began. Officers worked to control the crowd, re-establish barricades after they were breached, and prevent any escalation into violence around the diplomatic zone.
Security remained tight around the High Commission area to avoid any serious incident, given the sensitive nature of protests near a foreign diplomatic mission in the Indian capital.
Background: Lynching in Bangladesh
The protests were triggered by the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a young Hindu man who was killed by a crowd in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on December 18–19 following accusations of blasphemy. At least 12 people were arrested in connection with the murder.
The brutal killing sparked outrage and concerns over the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh, leading to protests both within Bangladesh and in Indian cities.
Diplomatic Tensions and Reactions
The protest in Delhi has also added to diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh. Earlier reports from Bangladeshi media described incidents outside the High Commission as an attempt to breach security. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed such claims as “misleading propaganda,” clarifying that the protest was brief, peaceful and posed no real threat to the mission.
The MEA told Dhaka that police dispersed the small group of about 20–25 youths who gathered on December 20 and raised slogans calling for protection of minorities — and that there was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry later called the protest “highly regrettable” and rejected the Indian characterisation of events, saying protesters were able to gather close to the High Commission without prior notice. Dhaka also reaffirmed India’s assurance that the safety of all Bangladeshi missions in India would be ensured.
Consular Services Suspended
Following the protests, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi suspended all visa and consular services, citing “security concerns” and “unforeseen circumstances.” The suspension is expected to remain in place until further notice, and similar holds have been reported at Bangladeshi diplomatic posts in Agartala and Siliguri.
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