Kolkata: Bangladesh on Friday expressed deep concerns over the protests outside its Deputy High Commission in Kolkata by a Hindu outfit. It claimed that while the situation seemed to be under control, there was a prevailing sense of insecurity among its staff members at the commission.
“The Government of Bangladesh notes with deep concern the violent protest organized outside the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Kolkata last afternoon by a Hindu organization of Kolkata named Bongio Hindu Jagran. The rally and demonstration organized by a large group of protesters turned violent, with the protesters breaking through police barricades and reaching the boundary of Bangladesh Deputy High Commission,” The press release issued by Bangladesh said on Friday.
‘Prevailing sense of insecurity among commission members’
It added, “They set fire to the national flag of Bangladesh and burned effigy of the Hon’ble Chief Advisor of the Government of Bangladesh. Although the situation seems to be under control at the moment, there is a prevailing sense of insecurity among all the members of the Deputy High Commission.”
Condemning the incident, Bangladesh also urged India to take necessary steps to prevent a repeat of such incidents in the future. “The Government of Bangladesh condemns any form of violent activity and urges the Government of India to ensure the safety and security of the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Kolkata and other Diplomatic Missions of Bangladesh in India as well as its diplomats and non-diplomatic members of staff,” the release said.
ISF protests outside the Bangladesh Commission’s office
The Indian Secular Front (ISF) protested outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata on Friday against the alleged atrocities on Hindus in the neighbouring country. It also submitted a deputation at the commission office in this regard. They were stopped outside the gate of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission by police earlier in the day. However, four leaders were later allowed to go inside.
