In a significant demonstration on Saturday afternoon, the organisation Bangla Pakhsh staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata, urging urgent measures to safeguard the rights and safety of minority communities in Bangladesh. The protesters, who had initially gathered at the bustling junction of Bagbazar and Park Circus Seven-Point Crossing, began marching towards the diplomatic mission, only to be intercepted by police barricades approximately 200 metres from their intended destination.
A brief scuffle ensued between law enforcement officials and some demonstrators, but the situation was swiftly brought under control, allowing the protest to continue in a largely peaceful manner. According to Kolkata Police, security around the High Commission had been significantly reinforced in advance to prevent any untoward incidents.
Participants in the demonstration highlighted ongoing attacks and systemic discrimination faced by minority communities in Bangladesh. They called upon India to once again play a proactive role in protecting human rights, reminiscent of the country’s engagement during the events of 1971. Bangla Pakhsh leader Garg Chatterjee told reporters, “Our programme was entirely peaceful. We sought only to draw the attention of the international community to the truth. We had no intention of inciting violence or causing damage.”
Chatterjee emphasised that the global community’s attention was critical: “Ensuring the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh without international support remains an immense challenge. The world must acknowledge the urgent plight of these vulnerable groups.”
Throughout the march, demonstrators carried banners and placards highlighting instances of violence, discrimination, and insecurity faced by Bangladesh’s minorities. Passersby and local residents observed the protest with curiosity, while police maintained a strong presence to ensure public safety. Significantly, the demonstration concluded without reports of serious altercations or injuries, underscoring the largely non-violent nature of the event.
By holding this protest, Bangla Pakhsh and its supporters aimed to convey a clear message to the international community: the protection of minority rights and security in Bangladesh is a matter of pressing concern and requires immediate attention.