Amid Calls for Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition, Protesters Block Indian Mission in Dhaka

Amid rising political tension in Bangladesh, authorities on Wednesday prevented a large group of protesters from marching towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, even as New Delhi expressed grave concerns over the security of its diplomatic mission in the Bangladeshi capital.

The protesters, marching under the banner of “July Oikya” (July Unity), raised strong anti-India slogans and demanded the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country following last year’s violent uprising. The demonstrators also called for the return of several other political figures who left Bangladesh during and after the July unrest.

According to a police spokesperson, the procession began from Rampura Bridge and was intercepted in front of Hossain Market in North Badda, an area close to Dhaka’s diplomatic enclave where several foreign missions, including the Indian High Commission, are located.

The official said that while the protest caused tension in the area, traffic on the main road passing through the diplomatic zone remained suspended for several hours as a precautionary measure.

Local media reports said police initially set up barricades to stop the marchers. When protesters attempted to push past the first blockade, security forces reinforced their presence with a tighter cordon. At this point, demonstrators reportedly intensified their sloganeering, chanting anti-India slogans and repeating demands for Hasina’s extradition.

“We will not attack the Indian High Commission because we are not afraid,” a protester was quoted by private news agency UNB as saying. “But if anyone tries to impose hegemonic control over Bangladesh, they will not be spared.”

The protesters alleged that what they called “Indian proxy political parties, media outlets, and government officials” were conspiring against Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024, after her Awami League government was toppled by a violent, student-led movement widely known as the “July Uprising.” The unrest marked one of the most turbulent political chapters in Bangladesh’s recent history.

Nur-e-Alam Siddique, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said security units from multiple zones were deployed to strengthen protection around the diplomatic enclave in view of the protest.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, the march was led by AB Zubair, Social Welfare Secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU).

After being stopped by police, protesters sat on the road near Hossain Market in North Badda, chanting slogans such as “Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka is Dhaka” and “My brother Hadi — why did Hadi have to die?” the newspaper reported.

Daily Prothom Alo reported that “July Unity,” an umbrella platform of several groups associated with the July Uprising, eventually concluded its protest around 5 p.m.

In light of the tense situation, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka remained closed due to security concerns.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s envoy to India, Riaz Hamidullah, was summoned to New Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). India conveyed its “deep concern” over reports that certain extremist groups were preparing to create a security threat around the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

New Delhi also reiterated its call for free, fair, and credible parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, while expressing serious worries about the deteriorating security environment in the country.

In a formal statement, the MEA said, “We expect the interim government to uphold its diplomatic obligations by ensuring the safety and security of all Missions and Posts in Bangladesh.”

A few hours later, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain responded sharply, saying Dhaka does not seek “advice” from neighboring countries on how to conduct its elections.

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its first general elections since Hasina’s removal on February 12.

Hossain argued that India had remained silent during what he described as “farcical elections” under Hasina’s rule. “Now that we are moving towards a credible election, suggestions are suddenly being offered. In my opinion, this is very wrong,” he said.

Earlier this week, the MEA reiterated that it wants Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary elections to be conducted peacefully and maintained that India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities harmful to Bangladesh’s interests.

Last month, Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death by a Bangladeshi special tribunal for her alleged role in a deadly crackdown on protesters during last year’s unrest. She is currently residing in India.

The security situation in Dhaka further worsened after unidentified gunmen shot and critically injured Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent frontline leader of last year’s protests, in the capital last week.

Citing security threats, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) parliamentary candidate from a constituency in the river port city of Narayanganj, near Dhaka, announced his decision to withdraw from the election race.

Mahfuj Alam, a key figure in the July–August protest movement, warned this week that those he accused of “protecting the interests of India and foreign powers” would also not be safe if influential activists like Hadi could be attacked with impunity.

As Bangladesh heads toward a crucial election, the unfolding developments underscore growing political volatility, strained diplomatic ties, and rising concerns over internal security.