Violent Protests have erupted in Bangladesh over the two day avoidable visit of the Indian Prime Minister Naredra Modi. The Indian PM arrived in Bangladesh on the occasion golden jubilee of independence. India under the leadership of former PM Mrs Indira Gandhi liberated the East Pakistan from the clutches of West Pakistan and the country of Bangladesh was created in 1971. India is facing a second COVID-19 surge. On 5th January U.K. PM Boris Johnson cancelled an Indian visit under similar circumstances.
Police fired rubber bullets and baton charged protestors in Dhaka’s Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area. 3 protesters have died, 50 were injured and two motorcycles were burnt. Bangladesh Students’ Union has been holding protests in Bangladesh over many days against PM Modi’s visit. PM Modi’s anti Muslim stand in India is said to be the reason for the protests.
Other than the victory celebrations, no known tangible agendas are available in PM Modi’s itinerary. It is an irony that Bangladeshi population is protesting against Indian Prime Minister visit on the 50th year of obtaining independence.
PM Modi visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial (JatiyoSritiShoudho), the National monument of Bangladesh to pay tributes to the valour and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The monument is located in Savar, about 35 km north-west of Dhaka and was designed by Syed Mainul Hossain. He also met with the Bangladesh opposition leaders, Representatives of Minorities in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi Mukhtijoddhas, Friends of India and Youth Icons. PM Modi reiterated the inking treaty on water-sharing of Teesta River, which the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee is opposed tooth and nail.
PM Modi s also scheduled to visit a Matua Temple, which is seen as an appeasement for votes from the Matua community in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.