In recent days, members of India’s ruling party, BJP, and associated Hindutva organizations have been issuing open threats against Bangladesh. These threats included calls for invasion and halting trade relations. While these may have seemed like hollow statements, a series of alarming incidents have proven otherwise.
Recently, in Kolkata, an attempt was made to attack the Bangladesh High Commission. A large mob, affiliated with groups linked to the ruling establishment, gathered outside the High Commission. During the attack, a police officer was injured, and the mission was harassed. Following the incident, Bangladesh expressed grave concerns and demanded India ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions and staff, citing international protocols that obligate host nations to protect foreign embassies.
Diplomatic Protocol and Sovereignty
Embassies and high commissions are considered part of the respective countries they represent. For instance, the Bangladeshi High Commission in India is, in essence, Bangladeshi territory. Similarly, Indian embassies abroad are regarded as Indian soil. Attacking an embassy is equivalent to violating the sovereignty of that nation. This is a globally accepted norm, making such incidents deeply concerning.
Despite repeated requests from Bangladesh for increased security, adequate measures were seemingly not taken. This neglect culminated in a significant security breach in Agartala, Tripura. A large mob, allegedly pre-planned and organized by Hindutva extremists, stormed the Bangladeshi High Commission premises, vandalized property, and even set the Bangladeshi flag ablaze. Reports indicate physical altercations and mistreatment of embassy personnel, making the incident a severe breach of diplomatic norms.
The Role of Hindutva Groups and Political Links
The attack was reportedly carried out under the banner of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti (HSS), an affiliate of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which is a wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS is the parent organization of several Hindu nationalist groups, including the BJP, which serves as its political arm.
Video evidence from the scene shows a lack of resistance from police personnel, raising questions about possible complicity or negligence. Statements from India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressing “deep regret” over the incident have been criticized as insincere, with many pointing out that such incidents could have been prevented if there had been genuine intent to ensure security.
Political Implications
The attacks appear to be linked to internal political dynamics in India. Anti-Bangladesh rhetoric has been strategically used to rally hardline voter bases, with incidents like these amplifying Hindutva narratives. While some arrests were made, they appear to be minor figures, leaving the masterminds unaccounted for.
A Call for Responsibility
Attacks on diplomatic missions are not just violations of international law but also reflect poorly on the host country’s commitment to global norms. The international community and Indian citizens alike must demand accountability and measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
This is not merely an attack on a building but on the principle of sovereignty and mutual respect between nations. Ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions is not just a legal obligation but a moral one as well.
