Agartala: The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission (AHC) in Agartala has indefinitely suspended its visa and consular services due to security concerns. This decision comes after Indian authorities arrested seven individuals for vandalism and suspended four police officers for negligence.
Md Al Amin, the First Secretary of the AHC, said the suspension was implemented on the directive of Bangladesh's Ministry of External Affairs. The temporary closure will be reconsidered once the situation in Agartala stabilizes, sources said.
Meanwhile, the city witnessed continued protests on Tuesday, with former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhowmik leading a march. Demonstrators demanded the release of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and an end to alleged mistreatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
The Superintendent of Police (West Tripura), Dr. Kiran Kumar, said protestors had sought to demonstrate at the Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post but were denied permission. Referring to Monday’s incident at the AHC premises, Kumar said seven individuals were arrested and presented in court for police remand.
“Investigations are ongoing, and CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify others involved in the breach,” he said.
The state government has suspended Assistant Commandant Kanti Nath Ghosh of the Secretariat Security Force and three sub-inspectors—Dilu Jamatia, Joynal Hossain, and Debabrata Sinha—for dereliction of duty.
The unrest has prompted heightened security measures around the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission premises. In addition, Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, to address the security breach.
The incident highlights rising communal tensions and security challenges between India and Bangladesh, particularly concerning the safety of Hindu minorities and political instability in Bangladesh.
Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the incident and urged protestors to maintain peace while voicing their concerns.
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