London witnessed a tense standoff on Saturday as a large protest by Hindus highlighting persecution in Bangladesh, including the brutal lynching of a factory worker, was met with a counter-demonstration by Khalistani activists.
Massive Gathering Demands Justice for Dipu Das
More than 500 demonstrators, primarily of Bangladeshi and Indian origin, assembled outside the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK capital. The rally was organised by the Bengali Hindu Adarsha Saangha (UK) and was galvanised by the shocking killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on December 18.
Protesters carried placards calling for justice for Das and for the protection of minorities. They also raised the issue of the incarceration of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. A digital van displayed flashing messages stating "Hindus have right to live," while the crowd chanted "Hindus Lives Matter." The protest remained peaceful, with participants contained behind barriers across the road from the diplomatic mission.
Khalistani Counter-Protest Escalates Tensions
The scene changed when approximately ten men arrived directly in front of the High Commission building. They brandished yellow Khalistani flags and began shouting anti-India and anti-Hindu slogans. Their chants also praised the recently assassinated extremist Sharif Osman Hadi.
This prompted a swift response from the London police, who moved in to separate the two groups and prevent any potential clash. Prajjwal Biswas, an organiser from West Bengal, expressed confusion over the Khalistani involvement, stating, "I don't know why Khalistanis are protesting as this is not their cause. They are trying to instigate us."
Voices from the Diaspora: A Call for Action
Protesters shared personal stories linking them to the cause. Bangladesh-born Shuchishmita, whose family still lives there, said, "The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is something that has been going on for centuries and no media speaks about it. I am here to ask for justice for the Hindu community."
Vikram Banerjee, a British Person of Indian Origin whose family migrated from East Pakistan, called for international attention. "We want India and the UK to take assertive action. Many innocent Hindus are in grave danger," he said, criticising Western media for ignoring the Dipu Das lynching.
The event underscores the complex interplay of diaspora politics and human rights advocacy, bringing distant conflicts to the streets of global capitals.
