Source News 18
London: A peaceful protest organised by members of the Bangladeshi Hindu diaspora in London to highlight alleged human rights violations against minorities in Bangladesh was reportedly hijacked by Khalistani-linked groups, raising concerns about the politicisation of minority rights platforms and the alleged involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The protest, held in central London over the weekend, was initially aimed at drawing international attention to attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and community members in Bangladesh. Demonstrators carried placards demanding protection for minorities, accountability for violence, and greater international scrutiny of Dhaka’s handling of communal tensions.
However, eyewitnesses and organisers alleged that the event was disrupted when Khalistani sympathisers began raising separatist slogans, displaying Khalistan flags, and steering the narrative away from Bangladesh Hindu rights towards anti-India propaganda. Videos circulating on social media show individuals chanting slogans unrelated to the original cause, prompting visible discomfort among Bangladeshi Hindu participants.
Organisers accused these groups of deliberately hijacking the protest to further their own political agenda. “This was meant to be about the suffering of Hindus in Bangladesh, not about promoting separatism or targeting another country,” one organiser said, adding that several families left the protest early due to the disruption.
Analysts and community leaders have alleged that such incidents follow a familiar pattern often described as an “ISI playbook”, where genuine human rights movements are allegedly infiltrated or co-opted to create geopolitical pressure on India and sow discord within diaspora communities. While no official confirmation of intelligence involvement has been made, critics argue that similar tactics have been observed at protests across Europe and North America in recent years.
Indian community groups in the UK condemned the incident, stating that minority rights issues should not be exploited for extremist or separatist objectives. “Weaponising human rights protests only weakens genuine causes and divides communities that should be standing together,” a statement from a UK-based Indian diaspora organisation said.
There has been no immediate response from Khalistani groups to the allegations. British authorities have also not commented on the incident, though police were present at the protest to maintain order.
The episode has reignited debate over the misuse of democratic spaces in Western capitals and the challenges faced by diaspora communities in keeping human rights advocacy free from geopolitical manipulation.
