MEA Reacts to Delhi Protests Outside Bangladesh High Commission, Rejects ‘False Narrative’

The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday rejected what it described as a misleading portrayal of protests held outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, asserting that the situation was calm, controlled, and never posed a security concern for the diplomatic mission.

MEA pushes back against media reports

Clarifying the government's position, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said certain sections of the Bangladeshi media had circulated an inaccurate account of the events that unfolded in the Indian capital.

"We have noted misleading propaganda in sections of the Bangladesh media on the incident. The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on 20 December and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh," the MEA said.

No breach attempt, protest dispersed peacefully

The external affairs ministry underlined that the protest remained limited in scale and duration, with local police managing the situation swiftly and effectively.

"There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see. India is committed to ensure the safety of foreign Missions/Posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention," the statement added.

Officials stressed that India remains fully committed to its international obligations regarding the protection of foreign diplomatic missions.

Bangladesh unrest following death of student leader

The protest in Delhi came against the backdrop of heightened unrest in Bangladesh after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi earlier this week. Demonstrations were reported from Dhaka and several neighbouring areas following confirmation of his death by the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, had sustained critical injuries in an assassination attempt in Dhaka on December 12. He was later flown to Singapore for specialised medical treatment, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries, according to an official statement issued by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Yunus subsequently promised strict action, pledging "no leniency" for those responsible.

Lynching of Dipu Chandra Das triggers outrage

Amid the political and social turmoil, the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu youth, further intensified tensions. Das was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy, with reports stating that his body was set on fire.

The incident drew strong condemnation in India and led to protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, with demonstrators demanding accountability and stronger protection for minority communities in Bangladesh.