Bangladesh Recalls Two Diplomats From Kolkata, Agartala After Protests In India Against Hindu Monk’s Arrest

Kolkata/Agartala: Amid escalating tension between Bangladesh and India following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmay Das in Dhaka on sedition charges, the neighbouring country has recalled its two senior diplomats in India on Thursday (Dec. 5). The administration led by Muhammad Yunus recalled Shikdar Mohammad Ashraful Rahman, working as the acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, and the Assistant High Commissioner in Agartala, Arif Mohammad.

The decision was taken after reports of protests emerged in West Bengal and Tripura. Both these states share border with Bangladesh. Both the diplomats had been directed to work from Dhaka till further orders.

Sikder Mohammad returned to Bangladesh on Thursday (Dec. 5), according to reports. Arif Mohammad is scheduled to reach Dhaka on Saturday (Dec. 7). The order to leave India was sent to them on Tuesday (Dec. 3).

Security Breach At Bangladeshi Mission In Agartala

A few days back, hundreds of people had breached the Assistant High Commission’s office in Agartala. This prompted the mission in Tripura to suspend consular services. Protesters took out a massive rally near the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala, protesting the arrest of Das in and alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

In a statement, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry alleged that the Agartala protesters were allowed to enter the premises following which they vandalised the flagpole and desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh, reported the News 18.

‘External Affairs Secretary should discuss situation with Mamata’

Speaking on the Bangladesh diplomats’ issue, TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay told ANI: “The External Affairs secretary is going to Bangladesh. I also propose that he discusses (situation) with Mamata Banerjee before reaching Bangladesh as it is our neighbouring state. The attitude of the present govt is anti-Hindu and anti-secular forces. We totally oppose this idea. Let Bangladesh come to its senses and draw in conclusion that they will be in good connections with India.”

New currency notes in Bangladesh without Mujibur Rahman’s image

According to reports, the interim government in Bangladesh is removing the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from its currency notes. Bangladesh’s central bank stated that the image of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s father aka ‘Bangabandhu’ would be removed from banknotes of Taka 20, 100, 500, and 1,000, reported the Dhaka Tribune.