Visuals captured from the Indian side at Pathantuli in Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, show a massive crowd shouting slogans as Bangladeshi troops patrol nearby.
Violent protests in Bangladesh over the last few weeks has resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 people. The protest also led to the sudden resignation of Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
Hasina fled Dhaka the same day and is currently in India.
During the nationwide protests, there have been many reports that Hindus and members of other minority communities were being targeted by mobs.
Several Hindu temples, households and businesses have been vandalised, and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with Hasina’s Awami League party have been killed in the violence.
Since Hasina fled the country, media reports from Bangladesh have flagged more and more cases of violence against minorities.
India watching closely
India has reacted sharply to the reports, with home minister Amit Shah on Friday announcing the formation of a committee that will monitor the current Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) situation.
“The committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there,” Shah tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the threat posed to Hindus in Bangladesh.
In a tweet congratulating Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus after he took oath as the head of the interim government, PM Modi said: “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he stands against any racially-based attacks or incitement to violence.
“What we have made clear is we want to make sure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is tamped down. Certainly, we stand against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the Secretary-General.