In the backdrop of violence and curfew in the India’s state of Assam following the adoption of the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 by the Indian Parliament, security is being heightened at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Guwahati. It has come to the attention of the Ministry that some people from the processions and agitations that have being taking place throughout today in Guwahati have torn down 2 signposts of the Mission approximately 30 yards away from the chancery premise. Yesterday, the security vehicle escorting the Assistant High Commissioner from the airport to the city was attacked by mobs protesting adoption of the Bill.
Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan, Acting Foreign Secretary met the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ms. Riva Ganguly Das at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this evening and protested about the attack on the convoy of the Assistant High Commissioner and vandalization of the signposts. He requested for protection of personnel and property of the Mission by the host government. Ms. Ganguly assured that the concerned authorities of Indian Government are being immediately alerted to enhance security of the chancery and residence premises of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Guwahati.
The appropriate Indian authorities have already taken enhanced security measures to protect the Assistant High Commission premise, its personnel and members of their families. The Government of Bangladesh believes that the attack on the convoy of the Assistant High Commissioner and vandalization of the signposts is a one-off incident., and it will not affect the excellent bilateral relations that Bangladesh and India enjoy.