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Protests over Bangladesh killing enter second day in Kolkata; BJP workers stopped by police near Howrah Bridge

Allegations of the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, Bangladesh triggered demonstrations across several parts of India, including West Bengal

3 min readKolkataDec 24, 2025 03:49 PM IST

Kolkata: Members of West Bengal Hindu Jagran stand on top of a police van as police personnel detain other agitators during a protest against the killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, near the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, in Kolkata, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025. (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav)

Kolkata remained tense for the second consecutive day on Wednesday as protests continued over the killing of a Bangladesh-origin man, with chaotic scenes unfolding during the BJP’s “Howrah Bridge Blockade” programme. Police stopped the BJP procession before it could reach the bridge, leading to scuffles and severe traffic congestion in the area.

According to police, BJP leaders and workers began marching towards Howrah Bridge in the morning but were intercepted before stepping onto the bridge. Anticipating unrest, the police had cordoned off the area in advance. When protesters attempted to cross police barricades, they were blocked, prompting heated arguments. The workers then sat on the road shouting slogans, and a scuffle broke out when police tried to clear the stretch.

Protesters attempted to push past barricades and attacked personnel, according to eyewitnesses, following which officers moved to disperse the crowd. The clashes resulted in massive traffic snarls on Howrah Bridge and its adjoining roads.

The protests follow allegations of the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, which triggered demonstrations across several parts of India, including West Bengal. On Tuesday, the Beckbagan area in central Kolkata turned volatile during a march towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission called by Sangh Parivar organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), ABVP and Hindu Jagran Manch.

Police had intercepted protesters before they could reach the mission, a high-security zone, after they said they wanted to submit a memorandum. The situation escalated into clashes between police and demonstrators, leaving at least 20 people injured and 19 arrested. Although the BJP was not initially part of Tuesday’s rally, party leaders arrived at the spot later, following which the party announced the Howrah Bridge blockade.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has called for a symbolic blockade at the Indo-Bangladesh border. Protests have also been reported from Siliguri and Malda, where activists from the VHP and Hindu Jagran Manch surrounded the Bangladesh Visa Service Centre. Similar demonstrations were reported from other pockets of the state.

Police said security has been tightened at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and at major border points such as Petrapole, with forces on high alert to prevent further escalation.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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