Agartala: Dec 03: Once bound by strong fraternal ties, India and Bangladesh, despite the barbed wire fences along their borders, shared an unbreakable bond, especially between Tripura and other Bengali-speaking states in India. Every year, the governments of both countries exchanged gifts like mangoes, pineapples, and hilsa fish. However, the fraternal relationship began to deteriorate after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 8th due to the quota movement.
Bangladesh witnessed a surge in the persecution of minorities. Incidents of vandalism, assault, and other forms of violence against minorities increased day by day. Eventually, a united front was formed by the minorities. Protests began on Bangladeshi soil demanding that the government ensure their safety. However, the interim government led by Yunus Khan, far from providing security, took no action. Recently, Chinmoy Krishna Das, a key leader of the minority movement, was arrested by the Bangladeshi police.
Subsequently, protests began across the border, demanding the release of Chinmoy Prabhu, the leader of the minority Hindu movement, and the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. However, instead of heeding these demands, the perpetrators of violence in Bangladesh became more emboldened. There are allegations of them raising anti-India slogans and desecrating the Indian national flag.
In a shocking incident, a group of miscreants attacked the Shyamoli bus service, which was started during the tenure of the previous Bangladeshi government to maintain friendly relations between the two countries. The miscreants surrounded the bus, made obscene remarks, and threatened the passengers.
This further fueled protests on the Indian side. On Monday morning, during a protest in front of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office, a group of youths entered the premises and attempted to attack the office. As this incident took place in front of the police, three police officers were temporarily suspended, and one police officer was removed from duty. The police then launched an investigation and arrested seven people. On Tuesday, the arrested individuals were remanded. Subsequently, security was increased around the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office, and paramilitary forces were deployed. Due to the deteriorating security situation, the Bangladesh High Commission in Agartala suspended all visa and consular services from Tuesday until further notice. Many people had gathered at the High Commission office to apply for visas but were turned away. Some expressed their desire to return to their families in Bangladesh due to the deteriorating situation but were unable to do so due to the visa suspension.
