India

Bangladesh’s Yunus regime yet to act against Indian cultural centre attackers

December 4, 2024

New Delhi: The interim government in Bangladesh has protested against an attack on its consulate in Tripura’s Agartala, but has remained silent on the attack on Indian cultural centre in Dhaka run by the high commission.

The centre, which promoted several local talents, was burnt down by Islamists after the then PM Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and no action has been initiated against perpetrators, senior sources pointed out.

The Indian diplomats in Dhaka have also faced life threats in the days after Hasina’s ouster, following which Bangladesh Army had to provide protection, a source recalled. Security had to be beefed up near the residences of the diplomats and chancery as local police failed to act and some staff from the Indian diplomatic mission in Dhaka were also recalled.

Close on the heels of Hasina’s ouster on August 5, mobs led by Islamist forces attacked Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka in the backdrop of anti-India sentiments. It appeared that the centre was the target of the extremists who despise secular ethos and pluralism, a Bangladesh watcher pointed out.

Inaugurated in March 2010, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre promoted bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh by organising seminars, workshops and engaging India-based teachers for classes on yoga, classical music and dances, such as Kathak and Manipuri. Run by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the centre had a library with over 21,000 books.