BNP Protests Near Bangladesh-India Border

Thousands of youth and student members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) marched from Dhaka toward the eastern border with India to protest against an attack on a diplomatic mission and alleged desecration of Bangladeshi flags in India. The protests were triggered by a December 2 incident in which a mob of Hindus reportedly attacked the Assistant High Commissioner's office in Agartala, leading to accusations of 'Indian aggression.' Demonstrators rallied in various locations en route to Akhaura, where they planned further protests. This march coincided with recent bilateral meetings between Bangladeshi and Indian foreign secretaries aimed at easing tensions, marking the first high-profile diplomatic engagement since the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Meanwhile, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) has initiated its own protests against the rise of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, calling for international awareness and action. The MRM plans to escalate its campaign globally if the Bangladeshi government does not address these concerns.