Modi’s Effigy Burnt at Dhaka University Amid Growing Tensions

A group of students, under the banner of “Anti-Hegemony Movement,” burnt an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Dhaka University. The protesters accused him of “naked intervention” and “tarnishing” Bangladesh’s Victory Day, earned through the blood of millions.

The protest took place in front of the DUCSU (Dhaka University Central Students’ Union) building at approximately 4:45 PM on Tuesday (December 16).

During the demonstration, students chanted various slogans, including:

“Set fire to Butcher Modi’s throne”

“Strike both cheeks of Butcher Modi with shoes”

“Not Delhi, but Dhaka! Dhaka!”

“People will resist Indian aggression”

“On this day, we remember Abrar”

“We all know the Shahbagis are Hindustani”

One of the organizers, Riad Zubah, addressed the gathering, stating, “Disregarding the public’s opinion, the ‘Butcher of Gujarat’—who oppresses minorities in India—was brought to this country by his open collaborators. The people of Bangladesh spontaneously opposed his presence.”

He further alleged, “Because of this opposition, the collaborator and murderer Hasina, acting as India’s proxy, carried out a genocide against our people and killed innocent citizens in broad daylight. India has been the patron of the misrule that persisted in Bangladesh for the last 17 years. Therefore, our protest is against Indian hegemony in Bangladesh.”

Additionally, the protesters pasted a sticker of Narendra Modi near Madhur Canteen for passersby to trample upon as a sign of disrespect.

Earlier that day, around 1:00 PM, another group of students threw shoes at a portrait of Ghulam Azam in front of the DUCSU building.