Bangladeshi police blocked protesters from marching toward an Indian diplomatic office on Thursday, a day after India formally raised concerns over what it called a deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh.
Demonstrators in the border district of Rajshahi attempted to reach the assistant Indian high commissioner’s office, calling for the “repatriation of all the killers,” including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after a student-led uprising last year. Police halted the march, saying they heard the protesters’ demands and promised to forward them to authorities.
Similar protests were reported in Dhaka a day earlier, prompting India’s foreign ministry to summon Bangladesh’s top diplomat in New Delhi. India said it was concerned about the activities of “extremist elements” and urged Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic missions.
Relations between the two neighbours have remained strained since Hasina’s departure. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition to face trial, while India says it is reviewing the requests. Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death in absentia last month for crimes against humanity. Bangladesh is set to hold national elections on February 12, with Hasina’s former party barred from contesting.