Khalistani Groups Disrupt Bangladesh Hindu Protest in London; ISI Role Suspected

London: A peaceful protest organised outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London to condemn alleged atrocities against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh was disrupted after a group of Khalistani activists attempted to provoke demonstrators, leading to brief scuffles at the venue.

Intelligence-linked sources have indicated a possible role of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in orchestrating the disruption.

The demonstration was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Hindu Association and members of the Indian diaspora to highlight reports of mob violence, religious persecution, and targeted killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. Protesters were calling for international attention and accountability over what they described as a deteriorating situation for religious minorities in the country.

Background to the Protest

The protest followed the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a young Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh, who was allegedly beaten to death by extremist elements. His death has sparked widespread concern among Hindu organisations and human rights activists, who claim that incidents of religiously motivated violence have increased in recent months.

According to eyewitnesses, the demonstration in London was proceeding peacefully when a group identified as Khalistani sympathisers arrived at the site and began shouting slogans aimed at provoking the protesters. This led to verbal altercations and minor physical confrontations before the situation was brought under control.

Suspected ISI Involvement

Citing intelligence inputs, CNN-News18 reported that the sudden and coordinated appearance of Khalistani groups—who have no direct connection to Bangladesh’s internal affairs—suggests a premeditated attempt to disrupt the protest. Sources allege that the timing and nature of the provocation point to a broader strategy aimed at diverting international attention from the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Strategy to Divert Global Attention

Analysts believe that the objective behind such disruptions is to shift the global narrative away from alleged human rights abuses against minorities in Bangladesh and instead create an atmosphere of confrontation linked to India-related issues. Intelligence sources claim that proxy groups are being used to derail peaceful advocacy efforts and silence Hindu voices abroad.

A Dual-Track Approach

According to these assessments, Pakistan’s intelligence establishment is pursuing a dual strategy—encouraging Islamist radical groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami within Bangladesh to stoke instability, while simultaneously leveraging Khalistani networks in Western countries to target Indian and Hindu diaspora movements.

Broader Concerns

Reports have also pointed to long-term efforts to radicalise sections of Bangladeshi youth through religious extremism, raising concerns about regional security and communal harmony. Observers warn that such developments could have wider implications beyond Bangladesh’s borders.

Targeting India and Hindu Advocacy

Security analysts argue that the disruption of the London protest reflects a deliberate attempt to undermine international advocacy on minority rights and replace it with an anti-India narrative. The incident, they say, highlights how overseas protests and diaspora platforms are increasingly becoming arenas for geopolitical influence operations.