Thousands marched in Bangladesh’s capital city Dhaka on Friday in protest against BJP leaders’ comments on Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in a TV debate and called to boycott Indian products and India.
As per reports, hundreds of citizens walked the streets near the main Baitul Mukarram Mosque in downtown Dhaka after Friday prayers, raising slogans against the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Protesters all gave a call to ‘gherao’ the Indian embassy on June 16. The protesters also called for a boycott of Indian products and India.
Jamiat Ulema Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Islam Oikyajot and other groups took part in the demonstrations.
However, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) took extensive security measures in the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram and Paltan area in view of the protests.
“A large number of police personnel were deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident,” a police officer said.
“If anyone tries to do something disturbing or unpleasant, the police will take action according to the law,” he added.
Processions were held in several districts across the country.
In Savar, a group of protesters blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Savar Bus Stand area after congressional prayers, said Dhaka North Traffic Inspector (Administration) Abdus Salam.
Another group staged a demonstration in the Bipail area by blocking the Nabinagar-Chandra Highway.
Prophet Row: Two BJP (ruling government, Bhartiya Janata Party) leaders made blasphemous remarks on the last Islamic Prophet on TV debates. The row has caused a massive international storm, with several countries condemning her comments.
The Bharatiya Janta Party suspended her last week following global outrage. Indian envoys were summoned by several Gulf nations over the escalating row.
In India, several cities saw rousing protests today after Friday prayers, with protesters demanding Nupur Sharma’s arrest. The now-suspended BJP leader has apologized after the BJP’s action against her.