Bangladesh bolsters security at Indian high commissions over Agartala ‘attack’

A police officer says they are maintaining constant communication with high commission officials

Following an attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in India’s Agartala, police have heightened security at Indian High Commission and Assistant High Commissions across the country, including in the capital Dhaka.

A senior officer responsible for security in Gulshan said constant communication is being maintained with high commission officials to keep track of the latest developments.

Inspector General of Police, or IGP, Baharul Alam told bdnews24.com on Monday evening that extensive security measures have been taken at the Indian High Commission in Gulshan, as well as at the Assistant High Commissions in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna.

“We have significantly increased the police guard at these high commissions. In Chattogram, security has been increased eightfold.”

The IGP explained that these measures were implemented following the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, the capital of the Indian state of Tripura.

According to reports from Indian media outlets and BBC Bangla, protesters entered the premises of the Assistant High Commission in Agartala on Monday afternoon, vandalised the property, and took down the Bangladeshi national flag. Law-enforcing officers later removed the protesters from the premises.

The protests reportedly took place in response to the arrest and imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson of the Sammilita Sanatan Jagaran Jote, or United Hindu Awakening Alliance.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing regret over the incident.

Meanwhile, the interim government in Dhaka described the attack as “premeditated” and accused Indian law-enforcing agencies of inaction.

After news of the attack broke on Monday evening, leaders of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement staged protests in Chattogram, accusing the perpetrators of inciting communal tensions. Similar protests were held at Dhaka University and in many other districts.

The IGP also said on Monday Hifazat-e Islam had planned to submit a memorandum to the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chattogram, prompting authorities to ensure tight security, which remains in place even after the event.

Security arrangements and communication are being maintained regularly at other missions as well.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Gulshan Division Tarek Mahmud said: "All necessary security measures" have been implemented around the Indian High Commission in Gulshan.

“Beyond routine security, all additional measures have been taken. Constant communication is being maintained with embassy officials,” he said.

Tensions escalated in Chattogram on Nov 25, following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna. The situation intensified when he was denied bail, resulting in violent clashes and the killing of a lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif.

Police officials confirmed that comprehensive security measures have since been put in place.

Additional security has also been deployed at temples alongside high commissions.

IGP Baharul added that, in addition to police efforts, local community members have been engaged in ensuring temple security.