Tripura: Police Action in Bangladesh Mission Breach; Hotels and Hospitals Protest Over Bangladesh’s Minority Persecution

In connection with the breach at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, four police officers have been suspended, and seven individuals have been arrested. The incident, which occurred on Monday during a protest, has triggered widespread concern and action from both local authorities and the public.

Three sub-inspectors have been suspended, and a deputy superintendent of police has been “closed” for alleged negligence. West Tripura SP Kiran Kumar K. confirmed that a suo-motu case had been registered at the New Capital Complex (NCC) police station, with arrests made for their involvement in the breach. An investigation is ongoing, and further legal action will follow.

In response to the breach, the security at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission has been significantly strengthened, with additional personnel from the CRPF and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) deployed to ensure safety. The breach occurred as members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity protested the arrest of former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and alleged human rights violations against minorities in Bangladesh.

Tripura CM Condemns the Incident

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protests. He said, “During the rally, a group of youths attempted to breach the Bangladesh mission’s premises. I condemn such actions. While peaceful protests are allowed, this behaviour is unacceptable. We must maintain the dignity of diplomatic institutions.”

Hotel and Hospital Boycotts in Protest

In a show of solidarity with the protest and condemnation of the situation in Bangladesh, local businesses have also begun taking action. The All Tripura Hotel & Restaurant Owners’ Association (ATHROA) announced it would refuse service to Bangladeshi nationals, citing the desecration of the Indian flag and the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh as the primary reasons for the decision.

Saikat Bandyopadhyay, General Secretary of ATHROA, explained, “As a secular nation, we have always respected people from all backgrounds. But the insult to our national flag and the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly by extremist groups, has reached a point where we cannot stay silent. This decision is an expression of our condemnation.”

Bandyopadhyay added, “We are aware that people travel to Tripura for various purposes, but in light of the present circumstances, we feel this is the appropriate response.”

Additionally, ILS Hospital, a private healthcare facility in Tripura, declared it would no longer treat patients from Bangladesh. The hospital cited the ongoing human rights abuses and the mistreatment of minorities as the primary reason for its decision.

A Growing Backlash Against Bangladesh’s Treatment of Minorities

The recent decisions by local businesses and institutions reflect the growing frustration and anger over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly after reports of the desecration of the Indian flag and rising violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. While many are sympathetic to the individuals affected, there is an increasing call for the government and people of Bangladesh to address these issues and prevent further escalation.

As the situation continues to unfold, both the Tripura government and the general public remain on alert, with heightened diplomatic sensitivity around the issue of Bangladesh’s treatment of its minorities and the growing backlash from neighbouring India.