On the 26th (local time), protests opposing the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] More than 10 people have reportedly died from police gunfire during protests opposing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh.
On the 28th (local time), Bangladeshi local media reported that over 10 people died during protests against Prime Minister Modi's visit that took place nationwide, including the capital Dhaka, over two days from the 26th to the 27th.
The protesters opposing Modi's visit, mainly composed of Islamic hardliners, claimed that Modi has oppressed Muslims in India. They protested against Modi, stating that during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2002, Hindu right-wing groups killed thousands of Muslims, and since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he has oppressed Muslims through measures such as amending the citizenship law and revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
Local media including the Daily Star reported that on the 27th, five people, including teenage boys, died in Brahmanbaria. The casualties occurred as police responded with gunfire amid escalating protests. Earlier on the 26th, one person was shot dead in Brahmanbaria, and four others died in Chittagong. Additionally, dozens of people were reported injured.
The clashes intensified particularly when protesters threw shoes at police and others. In Islamic culture, throwing shoes at a person is considered a grave insult. In 2008, a journalist threw shoes at then U.S. President George W. Bush during his visit to Iraq.
Bangladesh police initially attempted to disperse the protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets, but as the protests escalated, they resorted to violent suppression with firearms. The police have not officially announced the number of deaths.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Bangladesh was made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence and the birth anniversary of former President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Modi visited Bangladesh to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence and the birth anniversary of former President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh gained independence from Britain in 1947 as East Pakistan within the Dominion of Pakistan and later separated through the 1971 independence war to become Bangladesh. Former President Rahman, father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, led the independence movement. India actively supported Bangladesh during this process.
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