Police Intercept March to Indian High Commission
Police blocked a protest march organized by the National Revolutionary Council shortly after it set off toward the Indian High Commission. Following the interception, the group concluded its program with a brief roadside rally.
The demonstration was called on Thursday to protest against border killings of Bangladeshi nationals, upstream water withdrawal from shared rivers including the Teesta, and alleged economic exploitation of Bangladesh through various bilateral agreements. Leaders and activists of the organization initially gathered in front of the Confidence Center near Shahjadpur bus stand in the capital around 11:00 AM.
Around 11:45 AM, as the rally attempted to march toward Gulshan Avenue, police set up barricades a short distance away to halt their progress. During the demonstration, participants chanted slogans demanding an end to Indian dominance and calling for the expulsion of Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, as well as asserting the country’s sovereignty.
Protesters demanded the immediate expulsion of the Indian envoy over the failure to extradite deposed PM Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India. Speaking at the roadside rally, Khomeni Ehsan, convener of the National Revolutionary Council, warned that if the High Commissioner is not expelled by December 16, the group will launch further programs, including a boycott of Indian goods.
