Bangladeshi Deobandi cleric and extremist leader, Harun Izhar known for his anti-India rhetoric, has once again stirred controversy with a provocative statement. Izhar has claimed that he and his supporters would be responsible for the security of the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh and that there is no "mob culture" in the country. He asserted that they are also responsible for the safety of Bangladeshi Hindus and their temples. While the leader has assured that he will look after the security, the ground reality appears to be quite the opposite. In recent times, this same extremist group has repeatedly attempted to attack the Indian High Commission and its consulates.
What did Harun Izhar say?
Recently, the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong was targeted in a stone-pelting incident and twelve people were detained. Harun Izhar himself went to the police station, demanding the release of these accused individuals. During the entire episode, he made the controversial statement. Izhar said, "I want to ask, was any window of the embassy broken? India is an aggressive and terrorist country, but the Indian embassy in Bangladesh is an innocent institution. We will provide its security. No mob will be formed against the Indian High Commission here. The police and administration are a separate matter; we Bangladeshis ourselves will not let this happen."
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He further added, "If India attacks at the border, we will retaliate. But the High Commission is innocent. If some isolated individual does something, we will not take responsibility for it."
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A long history of anti-India threats
Izhar's statement comes at a time when his own past raises questions about his claims. Izhar had previously said in a public forum, "We have shaken Dhaka. Next is Delhi, Inshallah." In recent months, he has also made several provocative statements against India. Security agencies and intelligence reports claim that Izhar has links to Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Notably, in 2009, Izhar and two LeT operatives were arrested in Chattogram while planning an attack on the Indian High Commission and US Embassy. On 28 April 2021, he was again arrested on charges of instigating violence following the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangladesh to celebrate Bangladeshi independence. He was later released on bail in May 2023.
Bangladesh unrest
Bangladesh is currently witnessing massive unrest following the death of Inquilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was laid to rest on Saturday in Dhaka. His supporters have demanded justice and even issued 24-hour deadline to Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh government.