Thousands of people marched in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka today to protest BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s remarks on Prophet Mohammad in a TV show.
Hundreds of people took to the streets and raised slogans against the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Friday prayers near the main Baitul Mukarram mosque in Dhaka city. All the protesters called for a gherao of the Indian Embassy on 16 June.
The protesters also called for a boycott of Indian products and India.
Read also | Stone pelting, arson: Fury after Friday prayers as Prophet’s comment row hits streets of Delhi, UP, Ranchi
Jamiat Ulema Bangladesh, Khilafat Majlis, Islam Okyajot and other groups took part in the demonstrations.
thousands marched #bangladeshthe capital of #dhaka Today in protest against BJP leader #nupursharmaComments of. Protesters have called for a gherao of the Indian embassy on June 16 pic.twitter.com/Rw0M8UPvRd
, INDRAJIT (@iindrojit) 10 June 2022
Security beefed up as protests across Bangladesh
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) took elaborate security measures in the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram and Paltan area in view of the protest. A large number of police personnel were deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident.
Read also | Are Pakistani accounts taking advantage of the Nupur Sharma controversy to promote anti-India tendencies?
Motijheel Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdul Ahad said, “Islamic Movement Bangladesh did not take any permission for today’s event. However, the police is on high alert to prevent any untoward incident in the name of such protest procession.
“Security has been beefed up by the police. We have taken all necessary steps to ensure security. If anyone tries to harass or cause unpleasant, police will take action as per law,” he said.
Processions were taken out in many districts across the country. Dhaka North Traffic Inspector (Administration) Abdus Salam said that in Saawar, a group of protesters blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway in the Saawar bus stand area after Friday prayers. Another group blocked the Nabinagar-Chandra highway and demonstrated in Bipal area.
In Narayanganj, protesters under the banner of “Narayanganj Ulema Parishad” took out a procession in the premises of DIT Railway Mosque in the city to protest against Nupur Sharma’s remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PUBH).
What is line?
Nupur Sharma’s remarks on national television caused a major international storm, with many countries condemning her comments. He was suspended by the Bharatiya Janata Party last week following a global outcry.
Many Gulf countries had summoned Indian envoys over the growing dispute.
In India, several cities witnessed strong protests after Friday prayers, with protesters demanding the arrest of Nupur Sharma. The now suspended BJP leader has apologized after the BJP’s action against him.