Bangladesh Protest Highlights: BNP's Tarique Rahman to apply for voter list registration tomorrow

All updates to this live blog have ended.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party's acting Chairperson, Tariq Rahman, would fulfil all the formalities related to the registration of his name on the country's voter list. 

As reported by the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman will also initiate the process of preparing the National Identity Card.

The Kolkata Police on Friday arrested 12 people for protesting outside the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Kolkata. The arrested persons were produced in Alipore Court, where they all got bail.

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday visited the grave of his father and Bangladesh's former president Ziaur Rahman in Dhaka, 17 years after he returned home from self-exile in the UK.

The 60-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman returned to the country on Thursday after living in London since 2008.

Rahman reached Zia Udyan in a red-and-green bulletproof bus and paid floral tributes at the grave, offering 'dua' and 'munajat' for the eternal peace of his father’s soul, news portal bangla.daily-sun.com reported.

BNP founder Ziaur Rahman was a Bangladeshi military officer who served as the sixth president of Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981. He retired from the army in 1978 with the rank of lieutenant general.

The BNP leader was accompanied by senior party leaders during the visit.

According to the Daily Star newspaper, members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), police and the army barred media personnel and party activists from entering the grave area and its surroundings.

While Rahman was paying respects, party leaders and activists gathered in front of the entrance and chanted slogans.

(Inputs from PTI)

The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Friday said that the Mamata Banerjee government is protecting the interests of the people who are unleashing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

"The government here is protecting Bangladeshi atyacharis. Indian Hindus will not tolerate it (atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh)," Adhikari told ANI.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar on Friday sought a more active role from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the atrocities on the Hindu minorities. 

"Our Ministry of Foreign and External Affairs should play a more active role, as it is not functioning in the way it should. Incidents taking place in neighbouring countries and elsewhere highlight the failure of foreign policy and the ministry concerned," Anwar told ANI.

Addressing the latest violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Trinamool Congress MP Sharmila Sarkar urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter to protect the interests of the Hindus. 

"This is an international issue, and we want our Prime Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene in this matter and engage in talks with Bangladesh to stop the attacks on Hindus. Our Chief Minister has clearly said that whatever steps the country takes, we will support," she told ANI.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a statement on the recent atrocities against the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Calling it unacceptable, the MEA said that India is monitoring the situation closely.

Dhirendra Shashtri, the chief of Bageshwar Dham, on Friday urged the Indian government to take some action to protect Hindus in Bangladesh. 

Speaking to ANI, Shashtri said, "It is unfortunate. It has become necessary for the Government of India to take some significant steps for Hindus in Bangladesh. If no step is taken, then the identity of Hindus will be in danger. There will be no point in Hindu unity if we don't come to their use now."

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader, Tarique Rahman, is heading to his father's mausoleum. 

He is greeted by the supporters of the BNP who have gathered to see him.

Addressing the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad said that extremists are taking over the country, and they are trying to create a rift with India. However, Bangladesh needs to understand that it can't survive without the help of India.

"Certain elements within Bangladesh want to create a rift between India and Bangladesh, and that anti-India sentiment is increasing because of the incidents they have been carrying out intentionally. So the government cannot say it is an isolated incident... They have to bear responsibility and ensure this is not repeated. The places of worship should not be targeted, whether it's a Christian, a Hindu or a minority Muslim. There has to be some kind of action and give assurances to the people and to India that such an action should not be repeated," Awwad said while talking to news agency ANI.

The protest march reached the Bangladesh High Commission office, where barricades were erected and a large police deployment was put in place to prevent any untoward incident.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Sanghati and other Hindu organisations took out a rally protesting alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, marching towards the Bangladesh High Commission.

Members of the National Hindu Mahajot staged a protest at Dhaka’s National Press Club, condemning the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das and raising concerns over ongoing atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh.

Known for labelling practising Muslims who support democracy as “kafirs,” Bikrampuri has openly incited violence against atheists and promoted Al-Qaeda and the Taliban as legitimate groups, drawing widespread condemnation from authorities.

Bikrampuri was taken into custody on December 24 following growing scrutiny over his provocative statements and online videos. Authorities have expressed concern over his extremist rhetoric and potential to incite violence.

Militant religious speaker Ataur Rahman Bikrampuri went live on social media shortly before his arrest, alleging that NCP student leaders and Jamaat-e-Islami were involved in terrorist activities and responsible for fuelling unrest across Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Education Adviser CR Abrar visited Dipu Das’ family on behalf of the interim government, expressing sympathy and assuring assistance, following reports clarifying there was no evidence of blasphemy against Das.

India called in the Bangladesh High Commissioner twice within a week after the murder of Dipu Chandra Das, reflecting growing concerns over anti-India sentiment and rising violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

The lynching of 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das on blasphemy allegations has triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh and India. Communities are raising concerns over minority safety, demanding accountability, and condemning the violent acts.

Former MP and actress Jaya Prada expressed grief over the brutal killing of Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten and set on fire by a mob in Mymensingh. She called it “mob lynching” and urged authorities to ensure justice for the victim, questioning the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

Actress Janhvi Kapoor took to Instagram, calling the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh “barbaric” and a “massacre”. She urged people to learn about the incident, speak out, and oppose all forms of extremism to protect humanity. Her post has drawn widespread appreciation on social media.

RLD leader Malook Nagar said all citizens should unite to express strong protest against atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. He urged political parties not to politicise the issue, noting that the government is attentive and action is being taken to address concerns.

Congress leader Udit Raj questioned whether Bangladesh will remain secular and protect minority communities following Tarique Rahman’s return, citing the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and ISI in the country’s recent political upheaval.

VHP leader Vinod Bansal said the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh amid shifting political developments is a “major warning for the entire world”. Questioning the silence of international human rights bodies, he said the UN should intervene immediately, warning that attempts to erode Bengal’s culture were a serious concern.

Actor Manoj Joshi said, “Everyone comes forward when something happens in Gaza or Palestine, but when a Hindu is killed in Bangladesh, it is very sad that nobody comes forward. Time will give its answer,” highlighting the ongoing atrocities against minorities in the country.

Rahman will collect nomination papers from the Bogura-6 constituency on Saturday, signalling his intent to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Rahman is expected to register himself as a Bangladesh voter on Friday and receive his voter identity card the same day, party sources said.

Rahman is scheduled to visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to place wreaths in honour of the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War.

Rahman reached his Gulshan residence late on Thursday night after visiting his ailing mother, former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Rahman will participate in Juma prayers at his home ground today, his first such public religious engagement in Bangladesh after returning from 17 years in exile.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will pay floral tribute to party founder and former president Ziaur Rahman at his grave in Dhaka on Friday, marking a key moment in his political re-engagement.

India has called for a thorough investigation into Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, amid allegations that triggered anti-India sentiment and further strained bilateral relations.

Referring to Bangladesh’s birth in 1971, Rahman said people from all walks of life united again in 2024 to defend the country’s sovereignty during protests that toppled the Hasina government.

Before leaving the airport, Rahman spoke with interim government chief Muhammad Yunus by phone, thanking him for security arrangements and support for his homecoming.

Around 4,000 army personnel, Border Guard Bangladesh members and police in riot gear were deployed across Dhaka as Rahman left the airport in a bulletproof bus.

Jamaat-e-Islami, which partnered the BNP during its 2001–2006 rule, has emerged as the party’s main electoral rival after the Awami League’s exclusion from the polls.

The BNP is widely viewed as the leading contender in the upcoming elections after the Awami League was barred from contesting under the Anti-Terrorism Act by the interim government.

Despite deteriorating India-Bangladesh relations, Rahman made no direct reference to India in his speech, focusing instead on unity and internal stability.

Rahman’s return comes amid renewed unrest following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a key face of last year’s protests that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

In a speech invoking Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words, Rahman said he has “a plan for the people” and stressed safety and dignity for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed or religion.

Addressing supporters hours after his arrival, Rahman appealed for calm and stability, outlining a vision for an “inclusive Bangladesh” where people of all faiths and communities can live without fear.

Shortly after landing, Tarique Rahman stood barefoot on Bangladeshi soil in a symbolic gesture, marking his formal return to active politics ahead of the February 12 parliamentary elections.

Menwhile, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on Thursday after more than 17 years in self-exile, drawing massive crowds of supporters as he landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport amid tight security.

The Hindu community in Bangladesh has faced a series of violent incidents since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year, raising concerns over law and order and protection of minority rights.

Following the Mymensingh incident, the interim government said it would take responsibility for the welfare of Dipu Das’ minor child, wife and parents, amid growing pressure over minority safety.

The murder of Dipu Das triggered widespread protests by factory workers, students and rights groups in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh. India also raised concerns over the safety of minority communities.

The Rajbari lynching comes a week after Dipu Das was beaten to death and his body set on fire in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy. Police have arrested 12 people in connection with that case so far.

In a statement carried by state-run BSS, the interim government said it does not support illegal activities, mass beatings or violence. Authorities said legal action would be taken against all those directly or indirectly involved in the killing.

Mondal’s body was sent to Rajbari Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination, police said. Most of his associates fled the scene, but one suspect was arrested and firearms were recovered from his possession.

According to police, Mondal was beaten by locals when he and his associates attempted to extort money from a resident’s house. Officers rescued him in a critical state and rushed him to hospital, where he was declared dead around 2 am.

Police identified the deceased as Amrit Mondal, who allegedly led a criminal gang involved in extortion and other illegal activities. Authorities said Mondal had multiple cases registered against him, including a murder charge.

The interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus strongly condemned the killing, asserting that the incident was not communal in nature. Officials said the violence stemmed from alleged extortion and criminal activities rather than religious hatred.

A Hindu man was lynched by locals in Rajbari district’s Pangsha upazila on Wednesday over alleged extortion, Bangladeshi media reported. The incident comes days after another member of the minority community was killed in Mymensingh, triggering nationwide protests.