Tipra Motha youth wing protests in Agartala over Bangladesh leader’s remarks on northeast India

Public anger over remarks made by a Bangladeshi political leader took centre stage on December 19 as hundreds gathered outside the office of the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala.

 

The demonstration was organised by the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF), the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party, in response to a recent statement attributed to National Citizen Party leader of Bangladesh, Hasnat Abdullah, concerning northeast India. Protesters raised slogans criticising Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Md Yunus, and condemned what they described as hostile rhetoric towards India.

 

Addressing the gathering, YTF president Suraj Debbarma said the protest reflected public sentiment rather than any political agenda. He alleged that Hasnat Abdullah, while speaking near the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, had issued a threat to “disclose” or target the Indian High Commission.

 

“From in front of the Assistant High Commissioner’s office of Bangladesh, we want to send a message. I would like to remind them how Bangladesh was created,” Debbarma said.

 

He underlined India’s role in the creation of Bangladesh and said recent statements from across the border were deeply concerning. “Despite India’s contribution to the creation of Bangladesh, today they are treating us as enemies,” he told reporters.

 

Debbarma also referred to repeated claims allegedly made by Bangladeshi leaders about capturing India’s northeast, calling such remarks irresponsible and dangerous. “They have repeatedly claimed that they will capture India’s Northeast,” he said.

 

In a controversial remark, he added, “There is no beach in the Northeast. The nearest beach is Cox’s Bazar. If they force us, we will rename it ‘Greater Tipraland Beach.’”

 

Warning of possible consequences if tensions are ignored, Debbarma said the people would seek permission to protect their land if the Indian government failed to assess the situation. “As responsible citizens of India, we are ready to defend our land. We will not remain silent,” he said.

 

He also claimed that Bangladesh could witness large-scale violence ahead of its upcoming elections and accused Md Yunus of acting as a “puppet” under foreign influence, naming China and the United States.

 

“Bangladesh’s people should not force us to take steps that could lead to the creation of a new ‘Greater Tipraland Beach,’” Debbarma said.