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{{Short description|Protests against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh}}
<noinclude>{{Use Bangladeshi English|date=April 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
</noinclude>{{Infobox Civil Conflict
| title = 2021 Bangladesh anti-Modi protests
| partof =
| image =
| caption =
| date = 19–29 March 2021
| place = {{flag|Bangladesh}}
| coordinates =
| causes = Arrival of Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] in [[Bangladesh]] during the country's celebrations of its 50th anniversary of its independence.
| status =
| goals = To cancel invitation of Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]
| result = Riots and protests suppressed<ref>{{cite news |title=Understanding Bangladesh's most potent religious opposition |url= https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/understanding-bangladesh-s-most-potent-religious-opposition |access-date=5 April 2021 |agency=The Interpreter}}</ref>
| methods = Demonstrations, [[stone pelting]], rioting
| side1 = • [[Bangladesh Students Union]]
 • [[Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad|Chhatra Odhikar Parishad]]
 • [[Socialist Students' Front]] • [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]] • [[Islami Andolan Bangladesh]]

 Supported by:

• [[Communist Party of Bangladesh]]

| side2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Bangladesh.svg}} [[Government of Bangladesh]]
*[[Bangladesh Police]]
*[[Border Guards Bangladesh]]
'''Suported by'''
*[[Awami League]]
*[[Bangladesh Chhatra League]]
| side3 =
| leadfigures1 = [[Junaid Babunagari]] [[Mamunul Haque]] [[Nurul Haq Nur]]
| leadfigures2 =[[Sheikh Hasina]] [[Obaidul Quader]]
| leadfigures3 =
| howmany1 =
| howmany2 =
| howmany3 =
| casualties1 = 17 Dead, 500 Injured,<ref>{{cite news|date=28 March 2021 |title=17 killed, 500 injured in anti-Modi protests: Hefazat |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/133880/17-killed-500-injured-in-anti-modi-protests-hefazat |work=New Age |access-date=30 March 2021}}</ref>
| casualties2 =
| notes =
}}
A series of rallies, demonstrations, and blockades opposing the visit of the [[Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] were held in Bangladesh from 19 to 29 March, on the celebration of the birth centenary and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence from [[Pakistan]]. Accusing Narendra Modi of committing [[crimes against humanity]] during the [[2002 Gujarat riots]], the protesters agitated against what they alleged were India's anti-Muslim policies and India's interference in Bangladeshi politics.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh deploys border guards after deadly anti-Modi protests |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49grqlJW6EE |access-date=30 March 2021 |agency=Al Jazeera |publisher=YouTube |date=March 27, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Violent protests spread in Bangladesh after Modi visit |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/28/violent-protests-spread-in-bangladesh-after-modi-visit |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=www.aljazeera.com |agency=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Protesters demanded the cancellation of the Bangladesh government's invitation to the Indian Prime Minister. The otherwise peaceful protests turned violent when the protesters were attacked by the supporters of the ruling Awami League party along with a crackdown by the law-enforcement agencies, causing the deaths of several protesters throughout the last week of March 2021 in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh violence spreads after Modi's visit, attacks on Hindu temples, train |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bangladesh-india-protest/bangladesh-violence-spreads-after-modis-visit-attacks-on-hindu-temples-train-idUSKBN2BK08J |access-date=5 April 2021 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> Initially launched by progressive student organizations including the [[Bangladesh Students Union]], [[Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad]], and the [[Socialist Students' Front]], the demonstrations were later joined by the Islamic group [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Afp|date=2021-03-26|title=4 dead as anti-Modi protests turn violent in Bangladesh|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/4-dead-as-anti-modi-protests-turn-violent-in-bangladesh/article34172629.ece|access-date=2021-03-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The deadly conflict chiefly began when supporters of Awami League tried to stop the protesters from waving their shoes as a sign of discontent to Modi at [[Baitul Mukarram]] mosque, [[Dhaka]]. This resulted in violent clashes from both sides. After the incident, the violence then spread to several key districts in the country, leading to damages on public properties.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Four killed in Bangladesh during protests against Modi visit|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/26/anger-in-bangladesh-as-indias-modi-attends-50th-independence-day|access-date=2021-03-28|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name="dhakatribune.com">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-28|title=Three killed in Hefazat mayhem during hartal|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/03/28/hefazat-observing-hartal|access-date=2021-03-28|website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Desk|first=NH Web|date=2021-03-26|title=Bangladesh: 4 killed in Chittagong as radicals protest Modi visit, mosque area in Dhaka turns battleground|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/international/bangladesh-4-killed-in-chittagong-as-radicals-protest-modi-visit-mosque-area-in-dhaka-turns-battleground|access-date=2021-03-28|website=National Herald|language=en}}</ref>

[[Amnesty International]] in a statement criticized the Bangladesh government for using excessive force on the protesters and urged the government to "respect the right to freedom of assembly and protect peaceful protesters", on 26 March 2021.<ref name="Amnesty International">{{cite news |title=Bangladesh: Authorities must respect right to peaceful protest following bloody crackdowns|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/03/bangladesh-authorities-must-respect-right-to-peaceful-protest-following-bloody-crackdowns |work=Amnesty International |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref> After the killings of its supporters on Friday, Hefazat called the strike protesting the killing of its activists by police, and the attack on them by supporters of the ruling party on Sunday, 28 March. "Police opened fire on our peaceful supporters," the group's organizing secretary Azizul Haque told a rally in Chittagong. "We will not let the blood of our brothers go in vain."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ghoshal|first=Ruma Paul, Devjyot|date=2021-03-28|title=Five killed, dozens injured in anti-Modi protests in Bangladesh|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bangladesh-security-india-idUSKBN2BJ07K|access-date=2021-03-28}}</ref> As of now, the clashes resulted in at least 14 people killed and many injured with Brahmanbaria alone accounted for 10 killed.<ref name="dhakatribune.com"/>

==Background==

Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan on 26 March 1971, with the diplomatic and military support of India. The 50th instance of 26 March since then marked the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence and to celebrate the day Bangladesh government invited the Prime Minister of India, [[Narendra Modi]]. Soon after the Indian Prime Minister decided to join the celebration, Bangladeshi students and Islamists declared to resist him from visiting Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite news |title=Four killed in Bangladesh during protests against Modi visit|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/26/anger-in-bangladesh-as-indias-modi-attends-50th-independence-day|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>

Former Vice-president of [[Dhaka University Central Students' Union]] [[Nurul Haq Nur]] in a rally in front of the Press Club on 12 March 2021, terming [[Narendra Modi]] the "Butcher of Gujrat", said that he is unwelcomed in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite news |title=Modi is not welcome in Dhaka: Rally|url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/132571/modi-is-not-welcome-in-dhaka-rally|work=New Age (Bangladesh) |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Why Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh led to 12 deaths|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56586210|work=BBC World |access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref> On the other hand, the Police chief of Bangladesh declared restrictions on movement during the visit of foreign guests including the Indian Premier on March 15, 2021. He also requested the political parties not to hold programs during the visit of Narendra Modi.<ref>{{cite news |title=Restrict movement during the 10-day state programme: IGP requests city-dwellers |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/restrict-movement-during-the-10-day-state-programme-igp-requests-city-dwellers-2061021 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>

On 18 March 2021, progressive students' organizations declared a series of protests against the visit of [[Narendra Modi]] to Bangladesh including rally, demonstration, effigy burning, and torch-march and on the same day, leaders of the [[Awami League]] government-backed students' wing [[Bangladesh Chhatra League]], known for hooliganism and terrorism,<ref>{{cite news |title=The brand of shame that is Chhatra League |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2019/10/10/the-brand-of-shame-that-is-chhatra-league-murders-brutality-arson-and-controversies-aplenty |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=11 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Awami League / Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) |url=https://www.trackingterrorism.org/group/awami-league-bangladesh-chhatra-league-bcl |work=Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium |url-access=subscription |access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref> declared to deal the protesters and threatened to 'peel off the skin' whoever protests.<ref>{{cite news |title=DU BCL president threatens to 'peel off the skin' of anti-Modi protesters on campus|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/du-bcl-president-threatens-peel-the-skin-anti-modi-protesters-campus-2063041|work=The Daily Star |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>

==Timeline of protest==

The first demonstration against the visit of [[Narendra Modi]] was held on March 19, 2021, and it has been going on. Bangladesh Police, as well as ruling party-backed organizations [[Bangladesh Chhatra League]], [[Jubo League]], and [[Bangladesh Awami Swechasebak League]], have swopped on the protesters triggering violence, in retaliation from the protesters.<ref name="Amnesty International"/>

=== 19 March ===
* Hundreds of Muslims protested the forthcoming visit of [[Narendra Modi]] and call for resisting the Indian premier from a rally that came out of the national mosque Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka.<ref>{{cite news |title='Go back Modi': Muslims, students protest Indian PM's visit to Bangladesh |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1613419|work=Dawn|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
* Around 200 students affiliated with progressive students' alliance rallied inside the [[University of Dhaka]] and asked Modi not to come.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

=== 23 March ===
* [[Bangladesh Chhatra League]] men snatched away the effigy of [[Narendra Modi]] from the activists of the Students' Federation of Bangladesh when they tried to burn that and fled the scene.<ref>{{cite news |title=BCL members snatch away Modi's effigy from SFB men |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/133492/bcl-members-snatch-away-modis-effigy-from-sfb-men|work=New Age (Bangladesh)|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
* Activists of progressive students' alliance were attacked in front of the Dhaka University's Teacher-Students Center when they tried to burn the effigy of [[Narendra Modi]] and [[Bangladesh Chhatra League]] men snatched it away once again. A clash erupted when they fought back against the hooligans of the Chhatra League led by Atanu Barman and Ahesun Dhrubo. Around 20 students from the student group were beaten by [[Bangladesh Chhatra League|BSL]] hooligans including female activists.<ref>{{cite news |title=20 injured as Bangladesh Chhatra League, leftist students clash over Modi's visit |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2021/03/23/20-injured-as-bangladesh-chhatra-league-leftist-students-clash-over-modis-visit|work=bdnews24.com |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
* Journalists who were covering the attack on the Anti-Modi protesters were attacked brutally by [[Bangladesh Chhatra League|BSL]] backed people.<ref>{{cite news |title=20 injured as Bangladesh Chhatra League, leftist students clash over Modi's visit |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/133502/20-injured-as-bcl-attacks-anti-modi-protest-on-du|work=New Age (Bangladesh)|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2021}}

=== 26 March ===
* Muslims gathered after the Friday prayer at the Baitul Mukarram mosque at noon and chanted slogans against [[Narendra Modi]]. Armed cadres of [[Bangladesh Chhatra League|BSL]] and Jubo League who took position around the place before the prayer, backed by Police, attacked the protesters inside the compound of the mosque triggering a violent chase-counter chase.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clashes break out in Baitul Mukarram area |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/clashes-break-out-at-baitul-mukarram-area|work=Prothom Alo|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref> Police started shooting rubber bullets targeting the protesters. Many protesters were beaten mercilessly and some received bullet injuries. At least 148 people received treatment in a Dhaka hospital after the gruesome attack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clash at Baitul Mukarram: 148 injured get treatment at DMCH |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/clash-baitul-mukarram-148-injured-get-treatment-dmch-2067417|work=The Daily Star|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
* The attack in Baitul Mukarram infuriated students at Hathazari of Chittagong, the stronghold of Islamist students. Students came out in the street to protest the attack on their fellows. The demonstration was obstructed by Police while passing the Hathazari Police Station. Angry protesters started attacking police stations, and public properties, prompting police to open fire. Four protesters died in the process.<ref>{{cite news |title=Four dead after Hefazat-police clash in Hathazari |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/four-die-clash-police-hathazari-2067257|work=The Daily Star|access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
* One youth protester died in Brahmanbaria when Islamist [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh|Hefazat]] activists attacked the railway station and other adjacent government buildings in protest of the attack on Muslims in Baitul Mukarram.<ref name="5 killed in Ctg, B'baria clashes">{{cite news |title=5 killed in Ctg, B'baria clashes|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/5-killed-ctg-bbaria-clashes-2067381|work=The Daily Star |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>

=== 27 March ===
* Four villagers of Brahmanbaria were shot dead by local police and BGB personnel in Brahmanbaria when they tried to block the highway in protest of the death of [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh|Hefazat]] activists.<ref name="The Daily Star">{{cite news |title=5 shot dead during clashes in Brahmanbaria|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/5-shot-dead-during-clashes-brahmanbaria-2067741|work=The Daily Star |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>
* Armed cadres of [[Awami League]] and Chhatra League attacked a madrasa at Brahmanbaria killing a student inside.<ref name="The Daily Star"/>
*Six police officers were injured as anti-Modi protesters attack police station in Faridpur. The attack was aimed to disrupt return to Dhaka from Gopalganj and Khulna, where Modi visited temples and the mausoleum of Bangabandhu. The police fired rubber bullets to disperse the mob.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Six cops injured as anti-Modi protesters attack police station in Bangladesh|url=https://m.bdnews24.com/amp/en/detail/bangladesh/1874207|access-date=2021-03-27|website=m.bdnews24.com}}</ref>
* More than 26 policemen got injured during an attack of protesters at aruail police camp. According to the police and locals, several thousand madrasa students accompanied by locals attacked the camp.<ref>{{Cite web|title=26 policemen injured in violence during PM Modi's Bangladesh visit|url=https://nenow.in/neighbour/bangladesh/26-policemen-injured-in-violence-during-pm-modis-bangladesh-visit.html|access-date=2021-03-28|website=NORTHEAST NOW|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 28 March ===
* During the hartal called by Hefazat supporters on Sunday in the agitation of killings of its protesters by police firing, Hefazat activists brought out processions in the capital's Lalbagh, Paltan, Baitul Mukarram, Mohammadpur, Basila, Saat Masjid and Jatrabari areas in the morning.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-28|title=Highway blockade, torching buses, clashes and processions mark Hefajat hartal|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/hefajat-hartal-underway-dhaka-chattogram-highway-blocked-2068053|access-date=2021-03-28|website=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref>
* Hartal supporters attacked train and government offices. "Brahmanbaria is burning", a journalist in the Brahmanbaria town, told Reuters by phone.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-28|title=Bangladesh violence spreads after PM Modi visit, attacks on Hindu temples, train|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/bangladesh-violence-spreads-after-pm-modi-visit-attacks-on-hindu-temples-train-101616924882038.html|access-date=2021-03-28|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Hefazat activists burned the music school and museum of Ustad [[Allauddin Khan|Allaudin Khan]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-29|title=Hefazat mayhem annihilates memory of maestro Alauddin in Brahmanbaria|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/03/29/hefazat-mayhem-annihilates-memory-of-maestro-alauddin-in-brahmanbaria|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> They attacked the biggest Hindu temple in Brahmanbaria district during Dol Purnima puja.<ref name=":0" /> They also attacked homes and offices of Awami League leaders in Brahmanbaria.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-01|title=Mayhem in Brahmanbaria: Hefajat men did it divided in 7 groups|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/mayhem-brahmanbaria-hefajat-men-did-it-divided-7-groups-2069825|access-date=2021-04-09|website=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref>
*Hefazat activists vandalized the Muktijoddha Complex Bhaban, Public Library, and Land Office in Brahmanbaria.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-30|title=Trail of destruction: Hefajat mayhem in Brahmanbaria|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/trail-destruction-hefajat-mayhem-brahmanbaria-2068949|access-date=2021-04-09|website=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref> Brahmanbaria municipality was forced to stop providing all services to residents as a result of the violence.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-03|title=Hefajat mayhem: Brahmanbaria municipality suspends all activities|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/hefajat-mayhem-brahmanbaria-municipality-suspends-all-activities-2071429|access-date=2021-04-09|website=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref>
* Two activists of Hefazat died after a deadly clash with police in Brahmanbaria.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |title=2 killed in Hefajat-police clash in Brahmanbaria's Sarail|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/2-killed-hefajat-police-clash-brahmanbarias-sarail-2068189|work=The Daily Star |access-date=28 March 2021}}</ref>
*Hindu temples were also attacked according to media reports.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bangladesh violence spreads after Modi visit, attacks on Hindu temples, train|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bangladesh-india-protest-idUSL4N2LQ01T|access-date=2021-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-28|title=Bangladesh violence spreads after PM Modi visit, attacks on Hindu temples, train|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/bangladesh-violence-spreads-after-pm-modi-visit-attacks-on-hindu-temples-train-101616924882038.html|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bangladesh violence spreads after PM Modi visit, attacks on Hindu temples, train|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/bangladesh-violence-spreads-after-modi-visit-attacks-on-hindu-temples-train-1784612-2021-03-28|access-date=2021-03-30|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

===29 March===
* The situation was said to have calmed down as daily life resumed by 7:25 PM local time. Facebook and messenger which were taken down during the protests resumed operation from that time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/facebook-messenger-and-running-again-725pm-2068845|title=Facebook, messenger up and running again since 7:25pm|date=29 March 2021}}</ref>

==Deaths==

On 28 March, after the strike, Hefazat leaders claimed 17 people died across the country, with around 500 people receiving injuries during the protests, in a press conference. According to their claim 12 people died in Brahmanbaria, 4 at Hathazari in [[Chittagong]] and one at Signboard area in [[Narayanganj]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hartal not extended, Hefazat to stage protest on 2 April|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/politics/hartal-not-extended-hefazat-stage-protest-2-april-223375|work=The Business Standard |access-date=28 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=17 killed, 500 injured in anti-Modi protests: Hefazat|url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/133880/17-killed-500-injured-in-anti-modi-protests-hefazat|work=New Age (Bangladesh) |access-date=28 March 2021}}</ref> Local news outlets, however, have reported 14 death counts as of March 28, 2021.<ref name="5 killed in Ctg, B'baria clashes"/><ref name="The Daily Star"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Hefajat fury rages on|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/hefajat-fury-rages-2068401|work=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] |access-date=28 March 2021}}</ref>

==Arrests==

During and after the protests, opposition activists were detained and kept in secret detentions. According to the activists they were tortured in custody. Shakil Uzzaman and Mina Al Mamun, the joint-convenors of Bangladesh Chatra Odhikar Parishad, were picked up in suspicious circumstances from the capital Dhaka's Savar area on March 26. On the next day, the joint convenor of Bangladesh Jubo Odhikar Parishad, Nadim Hasan, was abducted from Lalbag area by people who identified themselves as police.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh authorities must conduct prompt, thorough, impartial, and independent investigations into the death of protesters and respect people's right to peaceful assembly|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/04/bangladesh-protests-statement|work=[[Amnesty International]] |access-date=31 March 2021}}</ref> Two leaders of the same organization were picked up respectively from Rajshahi and Sylhet reportedly by law enforcers and remained untraceable, on March 28.<ref>{{cite news |title=2 Chhatra Odhikar Parishad leaders reportedly go missing|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/2-chhatra-odhikar-parishad-leaders-reportedly-go-missing-224089|work=The Business Standard |access-date=28 March 2021}}</ref> After more than 24 hours of detention at unknown places, Nadim Hasan, Shakil Uzzaman, Mina Al Mamun, and Md Mazharul Islam were placed in court and charged with violence. More than 100 Islamists were arrested by Bangladesh police during 12 April - 19 April over alleged participation in the violence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/19/bangladesh-cracks-down-on-islamist-group-after-anti-modi-protests|title = Bangladesh cracks down on Islamist group after anti-Modi protests}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladesh-arrests-islamist-hardliners-over-protests-against-pm-modi-2416405|title=Bangladesh Arrests Islamist Hardliners over Protests Against PM Modi}}</ref>

==Reaction==

To stop the spread of news and cut off communication across the country, the government of Bangladesh blocked Facebook on March 26, from the afternoon. Facebook in a statement claimed that "We are aware that our services have been restricted in Bangladesh." "We’re working to understand more and hope to have full access restored as soon as possible," they added.<ref>{{cite news |title=Facebook services down in Bangladesh amid protests against Modi visit|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bangladesh-security-india/amid-modi-visit-facebook-says-services-restricted-in-bangladesh-idUSKBN2BJ07K|work=Reuters |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>

International rights group [[Amnesty International]] termed the Bangladesh government response to the protest as "Bloody Crackdown" and said, "The Bangladeshi authorities must respect the right to freedom of assembly and protect peaceful protestors."<ref name="Amnesty International"/>

Twenty eminent citizens of Bangladesh demanded punishment for those responsible for attacking anti-Modi protesters and carrying out violence in Chattogram's Hathazari, in a joint statement. Among the [[M Hafizuddin Khan]], Ali Imam Majumder, Professor [[Anu Muhammad]], [[Badiul Alam Majumdar]], [[Syeda Rizwana Hasan]], [[Sara Hossain]], CR Abrar, Dr. [[Zafrullah Chowdhury]], [[Asif Nazrul]], [[Shahidul Alam]], Hasnat Quaiyum, Nur Khan Liton, Shireen Huq, Jakir Hossain, Perween Hasan, Lubna Marium, Sharmeen Murshid, Firdous Azim, Naila Zaman Khan and Rahnuma Ahmed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Punish those responsible|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/punish-those-responsible-2067813 |work=The Daily |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>

Bangladesh's main opposition party [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]] protested the killing of people on the country's independence day for protesting the visit of a foreign national. They declared a countrywide demonstration on March 29 and March 30.<ref>{{cite news |title=BNP to hold countrywide demo on March 29, 30|url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/133805/bnp-to-hold-countrywide-demo-on-march-29-30 |work=New Age (Bangladesh) |access-date=27 March 2021}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=March 2021}}

Prominent Hefajat leader Abdual Awal resigned, the decision was said to have been taken due to difference in opinion with other Hefajat leaders during the protests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/hefajat-leader-abdul-awal-tenders-resignation-party-says-2069113|title = Hefajat leader Abdul Awal tenders resignation, party says|date = 30 March 2021}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bangladesh anti-Modi protests, 2021}}

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[[Category:2021 in Bangladesh|Anti-Modi protests]]
[[Category:2021 protests]]
[[Category:2021 riots]]
[[Category:March 2021 crimes in Asia]]
[[Category:Protests in Bangladesh|2021 anti-Modi protests]]
[[Category:Riots and civil disorder in Bangladesh]]
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[[Category:Narendra Modi]]
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2021 Bangladesh anti-Modi protests - Revision history

MetaBOT at 20:31, 8 July 2023