Indira Gandhi Cultural Center Set Ablaze in Dhaka on 5th august 2024,Interim Government of Bangladesh Fails to Condemn the Attack
Militants Attack Diplomatic Property
On August 5, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center in Dhaka, located on Dhanmondi’s Road No. 2, was attacked and set on fire by militants. The property, once the residence of the Indian High Commissioner and now part of the Indian Embassy, had long been a cultural hub symbolizing the strong bond between India and Bangladesh. The attack left the building in ruins, highlighting the rising instability in Bangladesh following the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Silence from Interim Government Stirs Outrage
Despite the significance of the property and its diplomatic status, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has failed to issue any formal condemnation or apology for the destruction. This lack of response stands in stark contrast to India’s prompt and responsible handling of a similar attack on its Agartala Assistant High Commission, where the Indian government swiftly expressed regret and arrested those involved. This demonstrates India’s adherence to diplomatic norms, prioritizing accountability and responsibility.
Questions Raised Over the Motive Behind the Attack
The attack on the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center, alongside other historical sites related to Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, has raised questions about the motivation behind the violence. Was it an act of vengeance from those who oppose Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence? Or was it driven by anti-India sentiment, perhaps fueled by animosity towards India’s Hindu population and its crucial role in Bangladesh’s liberation?
Diplomatic Norms Undermined
The absence of a formal response from the interim government raises concerns about the commitment to upholding diplomatic norms and respecting international obligations. This silence may reflect indifference, complicity, or an unwillingness to confront extremist factions within the country. Without addressing the issue, Bangladesh risks damaging its international reputation and undermining its historical commitments.
Urgent Need for Accountability
Diplomatic principles demand transparency and accountability, especially in incidents involving foreign diplomatic missions and cultural institutions. Advisors to Muhammad Yunus’s administration, including Asif Nazrul, must provide an explanation for the attack and issue a formal apology to India. Failing to do so would jeopardize Bangladesh’s relationship with a key ally and damage its credibility in the international arena.
This attack is not just an act of vandalism but a challenge to the shared history and diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. The interim government must take immediate action to address the situation and restore trust in its commitment to preserving cultural and historical ties.
India’s Swift Response to Diplomatic Attack Highlights Bangladesh’s Silence
Meanwhile, in contrast, the Indian government formally expressed regret over the attack on the Agartala Assistant High Commission, and several perpetrators have already been arrested, highlighting India’s commitment to upholding diplomatic culture.