Police stop NCP march to Indian embassy

Police on Wednesday halted the anti-hegemonic march of the National Citizen Party (NCP) towards the Indian Embassy in Dhaka amid tight security.

The march, organised by NCP's Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, marked the 15th anniversary of the killing of Felani Khatun. Activists alleged continued Indian interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs and renewed border violence.

The programme began around 4:20pm with over a hundred leaders and activists marching towards the embassy area at Banshatala. Police set up barricades and stopped the procession, leading to a tense standoff. Party activists chanted slogans denouncing Indian dominance and political intervention, including: "Delhi or Dhaka? Dhaka Dhaka," "Slavery or Freedom? Freedom Freedom," and "Kata Tare Felani, we have not forgotten you."

At the barricade, NCP leaders accused India of violating the political and human rights of Bangladeshis through sustained interference in the country's politics and economy. They demanded that all officials involved in disappearances and murders, including the alleged murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, be brought to justice.

The leaders also raised concerns over border killings, alleging that the BSF continues to kill Bangladeshis and linking Felani's death to a broader pattern of extrajudicial actions along the border. They urged the government to pursue international legal remedies, stating that "Bangladesh must take international action against India for its naked interference."

Emphasising electoral sovereignty, NCP leaders said the next national election must be held without foreign pressure. "The next elections will be held to protect the sovereignty of Bangladesh," they added, noting that interference from Washington, Moscow, Beijing, or Delhi would not be tolerated.

The programme ended peacefully after police maintained the barricade and prevented the march from proceeding towards the embassy.