India Condemns ‘Misleading Propaganda’ in Bangladeshi Media Reports on Delhi Protest

India has dismissed reports from Bangladeshi media characterizing a small protest outside Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi as a security threat, calling such claims “misleading propaganda.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), approximately 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission on Saturday to protest the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu man who was lynched by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh city on Thursday.

“The fact is that about 20-25 youths gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20 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,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.

Jaiswal emphasized that the protesters never attempted to breach security perimeters around the diplomatic compound. “There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time,” he said, adding that police stationed at the location dispersed the gathering after a few minutes. The spokesperson noted that visual evidence of the event is publicly available, contradicting the narrative presented in some Bangladeshi media outlets.

The protest comes amid renewed unrest in Bangladesh following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was a prominent figure in the anti-government protests that ultimately led to the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government earlier this year. The interim government that replaced Hasina’s administration now faces growing concerns about the protection of religious minorities in the country.

India has called on Bangladesh’s authorities to bring those responsible for Das’s killing to justice. “We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice,” Jaiswal said.

The diplomatic tension occurs against a backdrop of heightened vigilance by Indian officials regarding the situation in Bangladesh, particularly concerning the safety of minority communities. “India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh. Our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities,” the MEA spokesperson confirmed.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic protocols, stating that it remains “committed to ensuring the safety of foreign missions and posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention,” which governs diplomatic relations between countries.

The incident highlights the complex relationship between India and Bangladesh, especially following the political upheaval that saw the end of Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. India had maintained strong ties with the Hasina government, and the transition to the interim administration has brought new dynamics to bilateral relations.

Protection of religious minorities has been a recurring concern in Bangladesh. Hindu communities, which constitute approximately 8 percent of the predominantly Muslim country’s population, have periodically faced violence during times of political turmoil.

The Indian government’s quick response to the Bangladeshi media reports underscores New Delhi’s sensitivity to how its actions are perceived in Dhaka, especially during this transitional period in Bangladesh’s governance. It also reflects India’s ongoing concern for the welfare of Hindu communities in neighboring countries.

As Bangladesh continues to navigate its political transition, the treatment of minorities remains a key point of concern for international observers, including India, which shares deep historical, cultural, and demographic connections with its eastern neighbor.