The Government of Bangladesh has lodged a strong protest following an attack by members of the Hindu Sanchash Samiti on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura, India. The protest, conveyed via X (formerly Twitter), was marked by the use of the hashtag #India, a first for Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This move highlights a shift in strategy, leveraging social media to amplify diplomatic concerns and influence public opinion globally.
A Viral Message
The tweet gained significant traction shortly after posting, garnering over 16,000 views, 1,200 likes, and more than 500 retweets within an hour. Many netizens voiced their support for the diplomatic statement, which detailed the alleged negligence of Indian law enforcement during the incident.
The tweet accused protestors of vandalizing the Assistant High Commission’s main gate, desecrating the Bangladesh national flag, and damaging property on the premises, all while local police remained inactive. “This pre-planned attack occurred with full knowledge and passive observation of local law enforcement,” the statement noted.
Hybrid Warfare and Social Media Diplomacy
In a press briefing, a senior foreign affairs advisor described the incident as part of a broader “hybrid warfare” landscape, where conflicts are not confined to physical battlefields but extend into cyberspace and public discourse. The use of hashtags like #India signals an effort to ensure omnipresent state advocacy in the digital realm, the advisor added.
India’s Response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs labeled the attack “deeply regrettable” and affirmed that diplomatic and consular properties should never be targeted. They condemned the incident, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding such institutions.
Background and Escalation
The incident occurred during a rally organized by a Hindutva group in Agartala to protest the alleged mistreatment of Sanatan Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of Chinmay Krishna Das. Initially, the group demonstrated peacefully in front of the Gandhi statue at Agartala’s Circuit House. However, later, members reportedly stormed the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission and vandalized parts of the premises. The local police initially intervened, but the situation escalated, prompting the deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
Implications for Diplomacy
This incident underscores the fragile dynamics between Bangladesh and India, which have faced periodic strains in their bilateral relationship. Experts view the use of digital platforms and hashtags as a calculated measure to engage global audiences and foster transparency. However, the attack also highlights vulnerabilities in protecting diplomatic missions, a matter both countries must address to prevent future escalations.
The use of social media diplomacy by Bangladesh signals a modern approach to international relations, demonstrating how nations increasingly employ digital tools to complement traditional methods.
