At least 10 people were reported to be killed while over dozen severely injured in violent clashes between police authorities and Islamic demonstrators in Bangladesh on Sunday, days after a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country.
According to reports, protesters -- mostly from the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam, as well as students affiliated with Left parties have expressed anger over the Indian leader’s visit. The demonstrators reportedly accused him of stoking communal violence against Muslims in his country. They accused Modi of discriminating against minority Muslims in Hindu-majority India
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The protests, which were already going on across the country against Modi’s scheduled visit, intensified after the prime minister landed in Dhaka. The violent anti-Modi protest raged on after his departure as anger swelled over the deaths.
On Sunday, dozens of activists with the Hefazat-e-Islam group attacked trains, various government offices were set on fire. Even the press club and Hindu temples were attacked.
As per reports, the protesters used timber and sandbags to block roads while the police retaliated with rubber bullets and tear gas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Dhaka on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s nationhood. On his two-day visit to the neighbouring country, the Indian leader gifted 1.2 million doses of domestically produced Covid-19 vaccine to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as a part of its vaccine diplomacy programme. He also handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.
(With inputs from news agency)