From Dhaka to Kolkata: 10 Major Updates on Bangladesh’s Growing Unrest

New Delhi: The situation in Bangladesh is no longer limited to just within the country. The effects of the turmoil there are beginning to be seen even in India. After the situation worsened, Bangladesh has stopped its visa services in India indefinitely, while India has also taken a tough stand and expressed its objection by summoning the Bangladesh ambassador.

Why were visa services stopped?

On Monday, some people gathered for a demonstration near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. After this, citing security, Bangladesh stopped visa services in Delhi, Tripura, and Siliguri. Amidst this step, India gave a clear message to Bangladesh that its concerns regarding attacks on minorities and diplomatic bases are serious.

Why did anger erupt in Kolkata?

The news of violence in Bangladesh heated up the atmosphere in Kolkata also. A large number of people took to the streets outside the Bangladesh High Commission. The issue of the murder of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh was the main issue in these demonstrations led by opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. People said that the situation in the neighboring country is deteriorating rapidly and minorities are feeling unsafe.

What is the root of violence in Bangladesh?

This entire crisis started with some very serious incidents. In Mymensingh, a Hindu garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das was brutally killed by the mob and later burnt. The allegation was that he had committed blasphemy, but no such evidence was found in the investigation. Just days later, Osman Hadi, the youth leader who emerged from last year's movement, was shot dead. These incidents fueled anger and violence across the country.

What is coming out in the investigation?

Police and investigating agencies say that the allegations against Dipu Das were baseless. Neither any social media post nor any statement was found. Now it is suspected that the matter was related to some dispute inside the factory, which later turned into mob violence. Many people associated with the factory have been detained in this case.

How did the death of Osman Hadi change the situation?

Usman Hadi was shot in Dhaka, after which he was taken to Singapore for treatment. He died there. After his death he became an icon for many groups, and demonstrations took place in his support. This increased the pressure on the interim government.

What does Inquilab Manch want from the government?

Inquilab Manch, associated with Osman Hadi's supporters, is openly challenging the government. The organization has warned that if justice is not given soon, a big movement will be launched. Their demand is that the case should be heard in a fast-track tribunal, and if necessary, help from foreign agencies should be taken.

Why is the media being targeted?

The media has also come under the grip of violence. The offices of major newspapers such as The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were attacked and set on fire. Many journalists remained trapped inside for hours. Media organizations say that these attacks are not displeasure with the news but a punishment for speaking the truth.

Why is fear increasing among minorities?

In Dhaka and other cities, Hindus and other minority communities are taking to the streets demanding security. He says that the government has failed to handle the situation. Human rights organizations have also warned that if the situation does not change, the situation may worsen.

Are elections possible in such an environment?

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has reiterated that general elections will be held on February 12. The government claims that it is ready to deal with every challenge. But seeing the situation on the ground, many people are raising questions about whether peaceful and fair elections will really be held in this environment of violence and fear.