Kolkata, 19 December (H.S.):

West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya on Friday expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh and said that radical elements are behind the incidents in the neighbouring country and they appear to be controlling the situation.

He said the central government and the Ministry of External Affairs are handling the situation appropriately and will respond accordingly.

Responding to questions on the situation in Bangladesh at a press conference, the Rajya Sabha MP said, Radicalism and extremism are spreading like cancer in Bangladesh. All right-thinking people should unite to fight this menace.

Since 1980s, radical forces have been spreading their base in Bangladesh... It has crossed all limits. As seen last night, even free-thinking and liberal people are falling prey to the attacks. The entire world is suffering the consequences of extremism. A nationalist government and party will face these challenges, he said.

Notably, tensions flared in Bangladesh on Friday following the death of Sharif Usman Hadi, a key leader of the July uprising, leading to protests, violence, and vandalism in various parts of the country.

No incidents of violence were reported in the morning, but protesters were seen vandalizing the already damaged building of 32 Dhanmondi, the house of Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Attacks and vandalism took place in various parts of the country on Thursday night, including stone-pelting at the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Chattogram, after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed the death of Inqilab Manch leader Hadi in a televised address to the nation.

The Manch had earlier announced Hadi's death, whose body was to be brought home later in the day.

Hadi, who was a candidate in the general elections scheduled for February 12, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore after battling for his life for six days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey